2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Broos Bemoans Injury Crisis In Bafana Bafana Camp

2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Broos Bemoans Injury Crisis In Bafana Bafana Camp

Sampson Adedeji

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has expressed deep concern over the growing injury crisis in his squad ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Nigeria, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

South Africa will face Lesotho on Friday before taking on Nigeria next Tuesday, with both games scheduled to be played in Bloemfontein.

However, Broos will be without several of his key players due to injuries. The unavailable list includes Themba Zwane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Ime Okon.

To cover for the absentees, Sipho Mbule and Thabo Moloisane have been drafted into the squad as replacements for Maswanganyi and Okon, respectively.

Broos also revealed that newly signed Mamelodi Sundowns defender Fawaaz Basadien is not fit enough for national duty, while Thapelo Morena has also been ruled out.

“I have to say that this is maybe one of the most difficult preparations I have had since I became coach of Bafana Bafana,” Broos admitted.

“We have many injuries, and they are important players. Sibisi is not here, Okon is injured, Themba is out, [Siphephelo] Sithole just returned but is still not available, [Deano] van Rooyen and Grant Kekana are also missing.”

The Belgian tactician lamented the short preparation time, describing it as a major challenge.

“We had to send Maswanganyi home after his injury on Sunday. We are not sure if ‘Tito’ will even be ready for the match against Lesotho. It is very difficult when you only have three or four days to prepare at national team level. At club level, you have five or six weeks of pre-season and can build with proper training.”

Despite the challenges, Broos remains focused on assembling a competitive squad as South Africa aim to secure maximum points in the qualifiers.