Mamelodi Sundowns confirm Bafana Bafana players injury blow

The duo were part of the Bafana Bafana squad that returned home from the AFCON with a bronze medal, but the Sundowns players now join teammate Thapelo Maseko on the injury list following their heroics in Cote d’Ivoire.

Speaking after The Brazilians thumped lower league outfit La Masia 6-1 in the Nedbank Cup round of 32, the coach gave this devasting update when asked how he was managing his national team stars.  

"Ya, but some of it is not even by choice you know, Mothobi is out and will probably be out for six to eight weeks. Sailor is out and he will be out for about six to eight weeks also with a high-end grade 3," Mokwena said.

Sundowns had nine players in the Bafana team that competed at the AFCON, namely Ronwen Williams, Grant Kekana, Mvala, Aubrey Modiba, Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko and Morena.

Mokwena is concerned that Mudau continued to be selected by coach Hugo Broos. He also confirmed the report on the rest of the players was a setback.

 "And you know that you all saw when he got injured and he still played which disappoints me a little bit. Ronza [Ronwen Williams] is struggling with a shoulder injury so today we tried to rest him and give him some time. Mshishi has also got a bit of niggle," Mokwena added.

With the reigning DStv Premiership champions travelling to Mauritania for a crucial CAF Champions League group stage fixture against FC Nouadhibou this weekend, it was expected these key players would be considered.

According to Mokwena, they are a long way off.

"Some of the players that came from Bafana, it's not even about whether we want to give them a break or not, we can't use them at all because they've returned back, some with very serious injuries.

“But okay, it is what it is and we have to try to use the rest of the squad and you saw today, you saw against Pirates that they've got the quality to compete and help the team. So, that is the responsibility that they all have."