Mosimane backs injured Williams and Mokoena to prove fitness for Kenya qualifiers

Pitso Mosimane has included injured Mamelodi Sundowns players Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena in his 27-man Bafana Bafana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya, saying he will wait until the last possible moment before ruling them out.

Williams and Mokoena have missed recent matches for Sundowns while recovering from their injuries. Mosimane believes both remain important to the national team as they prepare for a two-match meeting with Kenya.

The coach said their availability would only be assessed after Sundowns’ Caf Super Cup final against USM Alger at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday (15:00).

“They are key players for us, who have been leading us to the first Afcon, the second Afcon and the Fifa World Cup, and they have been part of the games against Guinea and Eritrea,” Mosimane said.

“They are very important players and we wait until the last moment. The doctors must tell me to rule them out. Then we can bring in other players, like we brought Tshepang Moremi last time.

“We have to give them the benefit of the doubt because you and I don’t know. What if they play on Sunday?

“If I ruled them out today, you would ask me why I had left Teboho and Ronwen out, and I would then tell you they are injured.

“We have to be careful with the national team and wait until the end. It is a very tricky thing. I would rather play safe than regret it, until I know that the player is not available.”

Bafana will host Kenya at Orlando Stadium on 13 November before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture on 17 November.

Chicago Fire centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been recalled after recovering from injury, while Siyanda Ndlovu has earned selection following a strong run of form. Themba Zwane and Nkosinathi Sibisi have been omitted, while Thapelo Maseko is unavailable because of injury.

Mosimane described Ndlovu as a suitable alternative to Maseko, highlighting his recent performances.

“Looking at his last four games, he has produced two man-of-the-match performances. His goals and assists are also a little bit similar to Maseko,” he said.

“I like those wingers. I like players who go inside, take on opponents one versus one and get in behind. He is that kind of player and he has intensity.

“But we still need to assess him in the national team because it is not the same as club football. We need to create a big pool of players.”

Bafana Bafana squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss.

Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema, Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel.

Strikers: Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Relebohile Mofokeng, Luther Singh, Tshepang Moremi, Siyanda Ndlovu.