Mvala en route to AFCON

Mamelodi Sundowns defender, Mothobi Mvala, is headed to the Ivory Coast as part of the 23-player Bafana Bafana 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad.

Mvala was a doubt for the continental tournament after he suffered a groin strain during Bafana’s four- day camp in Stellenbosch this week.

He is not the only one who has recently picked up an injury. Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is currently being managed by the medical team due to a knee niggle, while midfielder Themba Zwane took a knock on the knee a few days ago.

Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has shared his thoughts on the injury concerns that have affected his team ahead of AFCON.

“Mvala is still part of this team for now. I will not rule him out or think further until I have the full medical details from the team doctor. He is still a part of the AFCON-bound team. Mvala is the type of player that gives everything, both during a match and in practice,” Broos said.

The aforementioned players were not part of the South African senior men’s team that faced Lesotho in a preparation match at the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium, in Atteridgeville, yesterday afternoon.

“As it is in any camp, we will always be faced with something and this is the nature of football when you’re dealing with athletes. In the case of Mvala, all medical assessments have been made and while we continue practicing caution with all and any injuries, there is no need to rule him out. He will travel with the team to Côte d’Ivoire and we as a medical team will continuously monitor all injuries and niggles that need our care,” said the team’s doctor, Tshepo Molobi.

Bafana played to a goalless draw against Lesotho.

The team departs from Johannesburg to Abidjan today and will be staying in CAN Village in Korhogo from tomorrow.