Bafana Bafana could’ve done with Sibusiso Vilakazi in their disappointing 0-0 draw with Seychelles on Tuesday.
But now club and country will be without ‘Vila’ for up to six months following his severe Achilles injury he sustained during a Bafana training match last week.
Vilakazi suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during the practice game against SuperSport United ahead of the first Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Seychelles at the FNB Stadium.
The 28-year-old has had an operation since then, and missed the trip to Seychelles, where Bafana drew 0-0 at Stade Libité, having won 6-0 at the weekend.
Sundowns announced on their website on Tuesday that coach Pitso Mosimane will have to do without Vilakazi for up to four competitions – the Telkom Knockout, Caf Champions League, Absa Premiership and Nedbank Cup.
Masandawana begin their Telkom Knockout campaign against Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
But Stuart Baxter will have to do without the attacking midfielder as well for upcoming Afcon qualifiers against Nigeria at home (November 16) and Libya away (March 22 next year).
Sundowns said that Vilakazi was “unlikely to feature in the remainder of the 2018/19 season that will conclude in May next year”.
He will hope to be fit for the Afcon, which starts on June 15 in Cameroon, if Bafana qualify.
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