10 January 2024 – Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has shared his thoughts on the injury concerns that have affected his team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is currently being managed by the medical team due to a knee niggle, midfielder Themba Zwane took a knock on the knee a few days ago while Mothobi Mvala had a groin injury.
“Mvala is still part of this team for now. I will not rule him out or think further until I have the full medical details from the Team Doctor. He is still a part of the AFCON-bound team. Mvala is the type of player that gives everything, both during a match and in practice,” Broos said.
The abovementioned players were not part of the South African senior men’s team that faced Lesotho in a preparation match at the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium, in Atteridgeville, on Wednesday afternoon (10 January 2024).
“As it is in any camp, we will always be faced with something and this is the nature of football when you’re dealing with athletes. In the case of Mvala, all medical assessments have been made and while we continue practicing caution with all and any injuries, there is no need to rule him out. He will travel with the team to Côte d’Ivoire and we as a medical team will continuously monitor all injuries and niggles that need our care,” said Team Dr Tshepo Molobi.
Bafana Bafana played to a goalless draw against Lesotho on Wednesday.
The team departs from Johannesburg to Abidjan on Thursday 11 January 2024 and will make their residence in CAN Village in Korhogo their home from Friday.