Pitso Mosimane Reveals Injury Blow Ahead Of Bafana Bafana’s Guinea AFCON Opener

Pitso Mosimane Confirms Nkosinathi Sibisi Will Miss Guinea AFCON Qualifier

Bafana Bafana will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign without defender Nkosinathi Sibisi after the Orlando Pirates centre-back was ruled out of Saturday’s clash with Guinea.

Head coach Pitso Mosimane confirmed that Sibisi picked up a knock in training and has not been able to train over the past two days.

Also Read: Pitso Mosimane names final 30-man Bafana Bafana’s AFCON qualifiers squad

Sibisi ruled out after training knock

Speaking ahead of the Group D qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena, Mosimane said the injury had forced his medical team to rule Sibisi out of the opening match.

“Setback on Sibisi, he got an injury and has not been training for the last two days. He got a knock in training; we are monitoring it.

The doctor says he will miss this one, but injuries are part of professional sport; hence, we select enough numbers. We don’t know what will happen, what we will face,” Mosimane said according to Goal.com.

Sibisi had been included in Mosimane’s 30-man squad for the opening qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.

Mosimane has defensive options

The injury leaves Mosimane without one of the defenders selected as part of the squad he assembled for his return to the national team.

The coach has, however, retained a sizeable defensive contingent, with players including Aubrey Modiba, Samkelo Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema and Kamogelo Sebelebele also named in the squad.

The absence of Sibisi comes as Mosimane begins his latest spell in charge of Bafana Bafana following his appointment earlier this month. CAF confirmed that this is his third spell as South Africa coach.

More squad changes before Guinea clash

Mosimane also pointed to other changes that have affected his squad ahead of the opening qualifier.

He specifically mentioned Lebohang Maboe, who had withdrawn from the camp, saying the decision to select a larger group was intended to give the team enough cover when injuries or other setbacks occur.

“We all know Lebo also pulled out; that’s why we selected as many as we could, so we can absorb and overcome these hurdles,” Mosimane said.

“That’s what we have, so far so good; the camp is good.”

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