Bafana Bafana and FCSB defender Siyabonga Ngezana has suffered an untimely injury and is now a doubt for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 78-year-old centre-back was included in Hugo Broos’ 25-man preliminary squad, but his participation is becoming increasingly uncertain.
FCSB general manager Mihai Stoica confirmed that Ngezana was forced off the field over the weekend after experiencing pain in his knee.
Bafana defender suffers injury, will he make it to AFCON?
The former Kaizer Chiefs defender has been a key figure for the Romanian giants this season, and his absence would be a major blow both for club and country.
“His knee hurt and he couldn’t continue. He went to therapy this morning; let’s see if he can play on Thursday,” Stoica told Fanatik.
FCSB are scheduled to face Dutch side Feyenoord on Thursday in their final Europa League group match, and it remains unclear whether Ngezana will recover in time.
The match could potentially be his last before joining the Bafana camp.
The Bafana medical team is expected to assess Ngezana once he arrives, but for now, the former Chiefs defender’s AFCON participation hangs in the balance.
With Mbekezeli Mbokazi expected to start in the tournament, it is uncertain which of the selected defenders will pair with him. Ngezana started against Nigeria during the World Cup qualifiers but was suspended for the next match and has not featured for the national team since.
One defender Bafana can call on if Ngezana stays injured is Stellenbosch star Thabo Moloisane.