An Orlando Pirates star has been removed from the Bafana Bafana squad ahead of two upcoming international friendlies in October.
Bafana Bafana gathered on Monday for their training camp in preparation for matches against Eswatini and Cote d’Ivoire in international friendlies.
Head coach Hugo Broos is already missing several key players, with Percy Tau excluded from the squad due to “family reasons.” Other players were omitted due to injuries.
However, Tau played for his club, Al Ahly, against Ismaily SC in the Egyptian Premier League on Saturday, which did not sit well with Broos. The coach criticized clubs for being dishonest about player availability.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Percy Tau was subsequently replaced by Kaizer Chiefs’ Mduduzi Mdantsane.
Additionally, SAFA confirmed that Orlando Pirates star Monnapule Saleng would not be available for the upcoming friendlies.
The Orlando Pirates winger, Monnapule Saleng, has been removed from the squad due to illness. Saleng had played in the Pirates’ MTN8 final victory over Masandawana at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
To replace Saleng, Cape Town City attacker Khanyisa Mayo will join the squad for the upcoming international friendlies.
“We got the report that Monnapule Saleng was having an illness,” Bafana doctor Thabo Maleka told SAFA media.
“He came, we assessed him. Indeed, we certified that he does have an acute illness and is therefore unable to join the camp.
“Obviously, that necessitated the replacement and I think the coaches have managed to replace the player Khanyisa [Mayo] and we’ll also assess him to see how he joins the team.”
SA will face Eswatini on Friday at FNB Stadium before taking on Cote d’Ivoire away on 17 October.