Mixed feelings for injured Sundowns players at Bafana Bafana as Broos shares his concerns
hugo-broos-14-feb-2024
He was speaking just before their first training session at Dobsonville stadium, before they depart on Wednesday morning for Friday’s crunch 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria. Both Kekana and Mudau were injured in the Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates this past weekend. He confirmed the call-up of Kaizer Chiefs defender Given Msimango to replace Kekana.
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“Grant left the camp this morning [Monday] after the medical check up yesterday evening [Sunday], the doctor couldn't give us a guarantee that he will be ready for the game on Friday and worse he is not unable to train - then we have a trip to Nigeria and Thursday we have the pre-match training. So Grant will not be ready for Friday, and there is a question mark for the Tuesday game, those are two important games - therefore we decided to free Grant and we have replaced him with Given Msimango of Kaizer Chiefs,'' said Broos.
Mudau played almost the entire game, but a shoulder injury forced him to be strapped. He went on to play the full 90 minutes during their 2-1 loss to the Pirates. Broos shared the good news from the Bafana medical staff on Mudau’s injury.
''Second problem is the one of Khuliso Mudau, so everybody saw what happened in the final on Saturday. But after the medical check, the doctor gave me the guarantee that it is not that bad, he should be ready to train ahead of the Friday match,'' added Broos.
Six of the injuries on the first day of the camp, which will see Bafana play World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria in Uyo on Friday and face Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein next Tuesday, are all Sundowns players. He has highlighted these injuries from the same club as an area of concern.
''It's amazing that from the six injured players we have, they are all from the same team - Sundowns. Mamelodi Sundowns has many injuries this season, and we know one of the reasons is their overloaded program, they played a lot of games,'' concluded Broos.
This past season, Sundowns has competed in six competitions domestically and on the continent, and next season, it’s likely to be more, including the inaugural and expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the USA. On the international front, Bafana also has a jam-packed program that includes World Cup qualifiers and 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. With the national team relying on Sundowns players, Broos is hoping that the club’s medical team can find a solution for these injuries.
After being previously only mentioned in the preliminary squads, the excitement was palpable as Broos announced Msimango's inclusion in a Bafana Bafana final squad for the first time in a very long time. This selection marks a significant moment in Msimango’s career and adds a new dynamic to the team.
Broos, who has proven meticulous in his elections for the national teams, says a player's mentality, especially within the group, is very important.