By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs’ in-form winger Pule Mmodi has received a Bafana Bafana call-up among three players drafted by coach Hugo Broos for another spate of injuries.
Broos lamented injuries ahead of the national team’s international friendlies against Namibia and DR Congo.
Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Themba Zwane, midfield clubmate Teboho Mokoena and Swedish-based midfielder Luke Le Roux are the latest injuries for the games against Namibia on Saturday (3pm) and Democratic Republic of Congo on September 12.
Broos said Mmodi is the replacement for Zwane, Bulky TS Galaxy midfielder Mlungisi Mbunjana has been called up in place of Mokoena, and Portuguese Liga 2 side Tondela’s Sphephelo Sithole replaces Le Roux.
Broos named a 23-man squad on Wednesday last week for Bafana’s upcoming international friendlies, but included no players from the Soweto giants.
“For the moment, Kaizer Chiefs is still Kaizer Chiefs of last year,” Broos said during the announcement of the squad.
“I’m very sorry, but now, for a moment, there is no player who deserves to be at Bafana Bafana.”
But Chiefs have now gone on a three-match unbeaten run, after what has been a dismal start to the campaign for Molefi Ntseki’s men, in time for Broos’ SOS call to the in-form Mmodi.
The 30-year-old has scored three goals in two league matches and will replace Zwane, who suffered a nasty cut above his eye during Sundowns’ 1-1 draw with the Chiefs in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final on Saturday.
Bafana Bafana revised squad:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United)
Defenders: Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Innocent Maela, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thabiso Monyane (all Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu (SuperSport United)
Midfielders: Sphephelo Sithole (C.D. Tondela, Portugal), Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Grant Margeman (SuperSport United)
Forwards: Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Pule Mmodi (Kaizer Chiefs), Kobamelo Kodisang (Moreirense FC, Portugal), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt), Monnapule Saleng, Zakhele Lepasa (both Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Lebo Mothiba (Strasbourg FC, France).