By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa has been called up to the Bafana Bafana squad to replace an injured Iqraam Rayners for the two vital Group C Fifa World Cup qualifiers.
The team is already in camp to prepare for the two games that they must win to stand a chance of topping the group.
“Iqraam Rayners has been withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana camp due to medical reasons,” read the brief statement.
“He was called back to his club this morning. Evidence Makgopa has been called up as his replacement.”
Makgopa is the second late replacement, on Monday, Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala was called up to replace injured Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng.
Bafana Bafana are scheduled to play Zimbabwe on Friday, October 10, before facing Rwanda four days later in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
South Africa are currently second on the table after being sanctioned by FIFA and need to get maximum points and hope Benin, who are at the top, slip.