Opponent Watch: South Africa striker Bernard Parker will miss pre-AFCON friendly against Mali
Following their one-all draw against Cameroon last Saturday in Gabon, Bafana Bafana have resumed training on Monday after resting some of the players on Sunday.
According to the team’s doctor, Thulani Ngwenya, three players sustained knocks from the clash against the Indomitable Lions and were rested at training, however, all are expected to be back in action soon.
Tokelo Rantie sustained a strained muscle and has been rested as a precaution although there’s nothing serious.
“He is receiving physiotherapy and we will reassess him on Tuesday, it is nothing to worry about though,” said Ngwenya.
“Rivaldo Coetzee sustained a knock on the knee and is also being rested as a precaution, so even there we don’t need to worry.
“Bernard Parker also got a knock on the ribs and we are treating him so he can recover but it’s also nothing too serious.
“However, Parker might not recover in time for the Mali match and we would rather play safe and have him sit out that match than aggravate his injury.
“The other two (Rantie and Coetzee) will be available to play but it will be up to the coaches whether they want to play them or not.”
The 1996 Afcon champions face the Eagles in their final preparations tie ahead of the 2015 CAF Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Equatorial Guinea which starts this coming weekend, 17 January until 8 February).
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Darren Keet is expected back in camp on Monday night after going to be with his wife in Belgium after she gave birth to their first child, Leighton Wade Keet.
On the other hand, Orlando Pirates defender Ayanda Gcaba is expected to join his teammates in Libreville on Tuesday night after receiving a late call-up as a replacement for his injured club-mate Patrick Phungwayo who has since returned to the country to recuperate.
Gcaba underwent a medical assessment on Monday as required by tournament regulations and also went to get his Visa which will enable him to travel.
The Mali clash will be played on Wednesday, 14 January at the Monedan Stadium in Libreville, Gabon and Kick-off is at 17h00 (SA time).
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