South Africa’s week of friendly matches in preparation for the upcoming CAN 2013 has been marred by injuries and withdrawals. Since coach Gordon Igesund announced the squad, four players, including Pienaar, Nomvethe, Manqele, and now defender Anele Ngongca, have withdrawn due to various injuries. Ngongca’s departure from the regrouping in Sao Paulo ahead of the September 7 match against Brazil adds to the challenges.
“We seem to be facing a bit of bad luck with injuries. Since the squad announcement last Thursday, we’ve had to make multiple replacements. It’s beyond our control. I’ve reached out to Gaxa to step in for Ngongca, and he is expected to join us this Wednesday in Brazil,” lamented Gordon Igesund. The Bafana Bafana arrived in Sao Paulo on Monday, engaging in several training sessions at the Palmeiras club’s center.
“I’m pleased with the players’ commitment in the initial sessions. Despite fatigue from the journey, they gave their all and met my expectations,” expressed the coach of the rainbow nation. However, Igesund is still awaiting the arrivals of Bongani Khumalo, who plays in Greece, and Dino Ndlovu, expected later in the day. South Africa is set to face Brazil in a friendly on Friday, September 7, at 6:45 p.m. GMT, at the Estadio do Morumbi in Sao Paulo.
