Tshabalala to stay with Bafana squad

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Bafana Bafana midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala has been cleared to continue training with the national squad ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier against Central African Republic in Cape Town. Photo by Getty Images / Gallo Images

Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala has been cleared to continue training with the national squad ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier against Central African Republic in Cape Town on Saturday.

Bafana team doctor Carl Tabane said on Wednesday that Tshabalala's MRI scan results, after he picked up a knee injury, had returned positive.

“We are pleased with the results and what we have to do now is to monitor him all the way to the match day,” Tabane said.

“I believe he should be ready to return to full training on Friday.

“The MRI scan revealed nothing too serious, which is very encouraging. The player also wants to play, which will help the healing process.”

The Kaizer Chiefs player missed Bafana's first training session in Cape Town on Tuesday, due to the niggling knee injury, after he felt some discomfort during the warm-up session.

After a light training session on his own on Wednesday, while the rest of the squad was given a rest, Tshabalala was expected to join his teammates again when they resumed their training on Thursday.

Bafana have already been dealt two major blows ahead of the match, with Siyabonga Sangweni and Tsepo Masilela withdrawn from the squad earlier in the week due to injuries. They were replaced by Tebogo Langerman and Eric Mathoho, respectively.

South Africa are third in their World Cup qualifying group with two points - two adrift of leaders Ethiopia, and one behind second-placed CAR. Botswana are lying bottom of the table with one point.

Sapa