CAPE TOWN – French-based striker Lebo Mothiba has now been officially ruled out of the Bafana Bafana squad for Saturday’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya in Durban.
Mothiba, who plays for RC Strasbourg in Ligue 1, sustained a hamstring tear in his club’s match against Nantes last Saturday, which they lost 3-2.
Bafana coach Stuart Baxter was still awaiting scans from RC Strasbourg on Monday to confirm the severity of Mothiba’s injury, but has now seemingly moved on by calling up Wits striker Mxolisi Macuphu.
The 29-year-old Macuphu has made an immediate impression at the Clever Boys since his move from Chippa United in the transfer window, scoring two goals in five matches.
This is Macuphu’s first call-up to the national side, but he faces stiff competition for a starting berth from the likes of the in-form Bradley Grobler and Percy Tau.
The Bafana camp have also confirmed that Tiyani Mabunda, Aubrey Modiba and Vincent Pule have arrived in camp as replacements for the injured Hlompho Kekana, Themba Zwane and Bongani Zungu.
@BafanaBafana replacements @Tiyani_Shuga13 of @Masandawana @posmanmodiba of @SuperSportFC& Vincent Pule of @orlandopirates have arrived at the national team camp in place of Hlompho Kekana, Bongani Zungu & Themba Zwane @SAFA_net pic.twitter.com/yBM9Dv4LRb
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 4, 2018
Here is Bafana Bafana training at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu pic.twitter.com/DCASrKgGGp
— Minenhle (@Minenhlecr7) September 4, 2018
Revised Bafana Bafana Squad
Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Ronwen Williams, Darren Keet.
Defenders: Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Motjeka Madisha, Siyanda Xulu, Innocent Maela, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Sifiso Hlanti, Buhle Mkhwanazi.
Midfielders: Dean Furman, Teboho Mokoena, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Tiyani Mabunda, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Aubrey Modiba, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Vincent Pule.
Strikers: Keagan Dolly, Percy Tau, Bradley Grobler, Mxolisi Macuphu.
@ashfakmohamed