Bafana Bafana Coach Blames Clubs for Injury Woes

Distraught South Africa’s English coach, Stuart Baxter, is blaming clubs for the high number of injured players he has in the camp.

Sports Village Square gathered from South African sources that the coach has blamed for the clubs for not giving him proper medical reports of the players after they were invited.

“We expect that when they come [to Bafana] they are fit enough. The problem for me is I have a few (players) training and I would love to have all the players training properly. Not perfect, but we had a good meeting and the players are raring to go,” said Baxter

Continuing, he said: “When you have withdrawals, you have to respond. I am happy with the players who have come in. I am disappointed we lost key players, but that’s part of the game.”

But the coach is reported to have said that he has done his homework on the Super Eagles. “We respect Nigeria, but we are not going there to make up the numbers.”

He is now forced to alter his plans by replacing some of the injured players.  Hlompho Kekana and Kamohelo Mokotjo had already been replaced by Tiyani Mabunda and Lebogang Phiri respectively.

The team doctor, Thulani Ngwenya is reported to have warned that more replacements are in the offing as the clock ticks to the Wednesday departure date to Nigeria.

The doctor revealed that Mulomowandau Mathoho has made good progress after he missed Kaizer Chiefs’ last game of the season against Bidvest Wits due to a concussion.

The South Africans had their first full training at the famous FNB Stadium on Monday. Training is expected to resume on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s departure.