EAST LONDON – South Africa’s 3-1 over Guinea-Bissau on Saturday in Durban came with a price as four Bafana Bafana players are doubtful for the international friendly match against Angola in East London on Tuesday.
Defenders Erick Mathoho (skin abrasion) and Thulani Hlatshwayo (ankle sprain) as well midfielders Dean Furman (groin) and Andile Jali (shoulder dislocation) are being monitored by the national team’s medical staff.
“It’s a concern when you have players injured but the good thing is that we have brought a good number of players with lots of quality so we will not rush these ones back,"said Bafana Bafana caretaker coach Owen da Gama.
"We had already said we are going to make changes so if the quartet doesn’t recover on time for the match we are still covered. After the training session, we will have to check their status with the medical team and take it from there."
Mathoho and Hlatshwayo formed the central pairing in defence against Guinea-Bissau while Furman was in the heart of midfield alongside Kamohelo Mokotjo.
Jali came on as a substitute in the 58th minute, replacing Themba Zwane, but was stretchered off in referee’s optional time – just a few minutes after scoring South Africa’s third goal from the penalty spot. His place was taken was taken by Tiyani Mabunda.
The quartet missed Bafana Bafana’s first training session at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Sunday night. Tickets for the match are still available at Computicket, Shoprite as well as Shoprite Checkers outlets for R60 all round.