Durban – Struck down by injuries and withdrawals, Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba will have difficulty in motivating his troops for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Gambia at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Bafana have had four players withdraw from the original squad. Tefu Mashamaite has withdrawn due to family commitments, Dean Furman is nursing a knee injury, Sibusiso Vilakazi is out with an ankle injury and Mzikayise Mashaba is suffering with a shoulder injury.
Mashaba has called up four players to replace the quartet – Tshepo Gumede, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Siphelele Ntshangase and Jabulani Shongwe.
“It is always difficult to get all the players on the first day, but I am happy with the numbers we have more so because most of them were on holiday and so we need to get going as soon as possible,” said Mashaba.
“It is just a pity that we won’t have the four players who have withdrawn, but such is the game of football. We have already called up replacements and I am confident they will be up to the task because none of them are new to our system,” said Mashaba.
On Monday, the Pirates trio of Patrick Phungwayo, Thabo Matlaba and Oupa Manyisa who all played for their club in their Caf Confederations Cup clash against AS Kaloum on Saturday
All the overseas-based players, with the exception of Tokelo Rantie who is getting married this weekend, have reported for national team duty – Anele Ngcongca, Ayanda Patosi, Andile Jali (all from Belgium); Thulani Serero (Netherlands); and May Mahlangu (Turkey). - ANA