Timely boost for Bafana
Coaches cleared for semifinal against Moz today
Bafana Bafana received a dose of good news ahead of their Cosafa Cup semifinal against Mozambique when coaches Helman Mkhalele and Lucky Shiburi reported to camp after completing their Covid-19 quarantine.
Coach Mkhalele and goalkeeper coach Shiburi were in quarantine for 10 days after testing positive, and their return to camp is a big boost for Bafana after they missed group-stage matches against Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho and Zambia.
Bafana doctor Tshepo Molobi said the pair were cleared and would be available for the big game against Mozambique at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha today at 2pm.
The second semifinal between Senegal and eSwatini will kick off at 5pm at the same venue.
Even though the team did well under the guidance of assistant coach Morena Ramoreboli, Mkhalele will take over the hot seat in the match against Mozambique. “The two coaches quarantined for 10 days and are cleared to report to camp. We have done a rapid test on them, and that [negative result] clears them to return.
“We are giving them treatment for slight coughs. They can integrate into society as they have undergone the necessary procedures. We have put measures in place everywhere and we operate in a bio-bubble, and we make sure that we live by those standards,” said Molobi.
Ramoreboli said the players showed character during the group stage and he expects them to continue from where they left off in the next game. “Our defence has been solid. We have players that are willing to fight and die for the country.
“We have a competitive team and they are raising the bar. They are ready to go into the semifinals and they will continue to work hard,” said Ramoreboli.
Bafana will pin their hopes on the hattrick hero against Lesotho, Victor Letsoalo, and goalkeeper Veli Mothwa.
“If Letsoalo can manage to score three goals in one match and Thabang Sibanyoni and Kagiso Malinga score from the bench, it means we have the firepower up front.” Bafana physiotherapist Nhlanhla Ndlovu and midfielder Masilake Phohlongo tested positive for Covid-19. They will miss today’s game against Mozambique.
The final takes place on Sunday.