Bafana Bafana’s injury woes continue, Pirates players will need to step up

Bafana Bafana’s preparations for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers fixtures have been dealt a significant blow as injuries continue to pile up.

Coach Hugo Broos will be forced to make major changes, especially to his defence and midfield. Several key players have been ruled out or remain doubtful, raising concerns about the team’s depth and readiness.

Bafana will play Lesotho and Nigeria next month, knowing that two wins could put them on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 tournament.

Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker Themba Zwane is injured and is unlikely to play those key fixtures. Without Mshishi, Bafana could lose valuable attacking flair and experience. Broos could play either Patrick Maswanganyi or Relebohile Mofokeng in Zwane’s position.

Bafana Bafana could be without top defenders

Deano van Rooyen and Nkosinathi Sibisi have been hit with injuries and will miss Orlando Pirates’ clash against Mamelodi Sundowns this weekend. If the duo are not fit next month, Broos might make some changes.

A reshuffled backline could struggle to maintain consistency against high-calibre opponents. The task will fall onto Mbekezile Mbokazi, who could partner with Grant Kekana in defence for the upcoming Bafana qualifiers.

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns clash this weekend in the MTN8 semi-final second leg and the risk of more injuries is high given the importance of the match.