Blow for Bafana Bafana as latest hero is ruled out of Congo clash

Thalente Mbatha, who has turned into a clutch player for Bafana Bafana in their recent matches, will be missing from their two matches against Congo this month.

South Africa are set to take on Congo in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on October 11 in Gqeberha and play the same opponent four days away but they will have to do it without Orlando Pirates midfielder Mbatha.

Mbatha suffered an injury during the MTN8 final between Pirates and Stellenbosch which the Soweto giants won courtesy of a 3-1 win to make it three straight titles.

Who has taken Thalente Mbatha’s place in the squad?

In his place, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has called Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bathusi Aubaas to beef up his midfield that is already decimated following the injury to Sphephelo Sithole against South Sudan last month.

Mbatha has not be a starter for Bafana Bafana but he has come to their rescue in the last two matches against Uganda and South Sudan.

Pirates midfielder has rescued Bafana in recent matches

He came off the bench to score a late equaliser as they drew 2-2 with the Cranes before scoring the winner in their 3-2 victory over South Sudan in Juba, when he also started on the bench.

South Africa have four points from their two games and are looking for positive results in the double header against Congo to move ahead of their rivals.