Bafana Bafana are sweating on the fitness of Sibongiseni Mthethwa ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
The 29-year-old Kaizer Chiefs midfielder suffered a “freak” injury while in training with his club.
Mthethwa was named in Hugo Broos’ 50-man preliminary squad for the tournament that kicks off in the Ivory Coast on January 13.
Chiefs interim coach Cavin Johnson revealed that Mthethwa suffered a knee injury, and will also miss the DStv Premiership clash with Sekhukhune United on Saturday.
Johnson said on iDiski Times: “Ox suffered an ankle injury at training — it was a freak accident.
“We sent him for X-rays and things like that. According to the medical team he has to stay out for a bit.
“Whether he will be back for our next game or AFCON, I cannot say.”
Also injured for Chiefs are defenders Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Aiden McCarthy, Zitha Kwinika and midfielder George Matlou.
“We have ‘TT’ [Ditlhokwe] who had an operation on his shoulder and is recovering. We also had Aiden McCarthy who had a hernia operation and he is recovering.
“With regards to Zitha, someone stamped on his toe at training. It is not a major injury and he is coming right. Matlou had a knee knock two weeks ago but he hasn’t recovered yet and he will not make the next game,” added Johnson.
