South Africa’s World Cup qualifying campaign faces a setback as captain Ronwen Williams and defender Khuliso Mudau are doubtful for their upcoming clash against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, according to coach Hugo Broos.
Both Bafana Bafana stars, who ply their trade for Mamelodi Sundowns, picked up knocks during their team’s 2-1 defeat to rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final last Saturday.
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While Grant Kekana has already been ruled out with a hamstring injury, Broos remains hopeful that a medical assessment will clear Williams and Mudau for the trip to Nigeria on Wednesday.
“We all saw It’s no secret that we have injuries. Grant Kekana has left the camp this morning due to a hamstring injury and has been replaced by Given Msimango of Kaizer Chiefs.
“We have other injuries from the Sundowns players who participated, like Khuliso Mudau, Ronwen Williams and a few others. But we are confident that after the medical department’s assessment, all will be well. It is still a concern though.”
Broos welcomes the team’s chartered flight to Nigeria, which will ensure they arrive well-rested and prepared to perform at their best.
“We are travelling by charter to Nigeria, thanks to a big financial effort by SAFA to ensure that we are fit and rested to take on Nigeria on their home turf. This is always in our best interests, so I want to thank them immensely,” the Bafana Bafana coach added.
The upcoming match holds significant importance as South Africa sits second in Group C with three points, just ahead of Nigeria who are yet to register a win. Rwanda currently leads the group with four points.
