Bafana Bafana coach Broos updates on injury to dependable star ahead of World Cup opener

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos recently confirmed Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Aubrey Modiba was struggling with fitness but is close to making a return to full training.

The versatile defender sustained the injury during the CAF Champions League final between the immediate former Premier Soccer League champions Masandawana and AS FAR Rabat of Morocco. The unfortunate incident happened in the first leg in Mzansi, where they won 1-0, with the second one ending 1-1.

The 30-year-old missed the Bafana Bafana international friendly game against Nicaragua a couple of days ago. However, he is in the squad that left the country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

On Friday, June 5, South Africa will face Jamaica in their final build-up game before playing Mexico on June 11 in the opening game.

Latest on Modiba ahead of Bafana Bafana game

“I think Aubrey is very close to training with the group, [if] everything goes very well with him,” Broos assured football lovers in the country.

“So I expect him, maybe not for the game against Jamaica. We will not take any risk with him, but I’m pretty sure that he will be there for the opening game,” the Belgian assured all.

The 74-year-old further refused to give hints on whether the team against Jamaica will be close to the one that will play Mexico on June 11.

“I will not make declarations about that. For me, I have something in my head, and I will see also if we can use that for the first game against Mexico,” Broos commented.

Apart from Bafana Bafana and Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea are the other teams in Group A.