When Coach Hugo Broos called up the warriors to face Sierra Leone and Botswana a few days ago, his wish was to see every single name on the list making it to camp. But nothing is ever guaranteed in the game of football.
There are bound to be injuries in a contact sport and football is no stranger to these. So far three player changes have had to be made, with many surprised to see Siyanda Xulu taking the deputy captain role and has been with his club Toran Tovuz for a few months. Xulu replaced Thibang Phete, who is a regular in the squad but out due to injury.
Lyle Foster suffered an injury in camp and he was followed by Terrence Mashego, who had to be released and made way for Ashley Du Preez and Siyanda Msani, both young players who are hungry to leave their mark in the South African senior men’s national team.
“Both Terrence and Lyle presented injuries in camp and the medical team decided that we take every precaution until we could secure scans. Upon further investigation we felt that we should release them back to their teams to resume medical treatment as not to risk the player or exacerbate the injuries,” said Team Doctor Tshepo Molobi.
So far the side has made these three changes to the squad to face Sierra Leone and Botswana in friendly internationals Saturday 24 September 2022, and on Tuesday 27 September 2022. The two games will be played at FNB Stadium and kick off is at 3pm and 6pm respectively.
The update from the medical room on the fitness of the players in camp remains positive. “You can never have an injury-free camp, so there are a few niggles here and there that we are dealing with, but nothing major or serious to date,” states the Team Doctor.
The medical staff believe that come game day, all players will be ready for action.