Sundowns defender doubtful for Afcon, another setback for Bafana

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala could miss the African Cup of Nations due to a groin injury.

The 29-year-old faces a race against time with the Afcon finals kicking off this weekend.

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Bafana coach Hugo Broos said he would wait for the final report to see how bad the injury was.

“The doctors are with him now and we will wait for the medical report. I am not sure if he will go with us to the Ivory Coast,” said he said as per Citizen.

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SUNDOWNS DEFENDER SUFFERS GROIN INJURY

“We will wait for the report and see how bad the injury is, but we can’t take him with us if he can’t train for the next ten days. It is better we take another player.”

If Mvala is ruled out of the tournament, the Bafana coach could bring in Orlando Pirates centre-back Thapelo Xoki, who was placed on standby.

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Broos said Mvala was the type of player who gave it his all even during training.

“You can be against or for him (being selected) but one thing everyone has to admit is that when Mothobi plays he plays with 150 percent. When Mothobi trains he trains 150 percent. He is a guy you can always count on. In a tournament like Afcon those guys are sometimes really important

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“I really hope with a few days rest he can train again and can go with us to Afcon. I will not take him with me and then in four or five days call someone,” he said.

Bafana captain Ronwen Williams and Themba Zwane were unable to take part in their final training session due to niggling injuries.

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