Stevie P could be fit for Cairo

Steven Pienaar is fighting to be fit in time for Bafana's match against Egypt this weekend in Cairo, and the team doctor is confident that the South African captain will be ready in time.

A Bafana win in Cairo would go a long way to sealing the team's place at next year's Nations Cup tournament, for which the game against Egypt is a vital qualifier.

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has been troubled by groin and thigh injuries that require strengthening exercises on his core trunk muscles. Team doctor Ephraim Nematswerani says Pienaar's injuries have "recovered to almost healing". But if a prescribed exercise programme is not a success, Pienaar will be forced to have an operation.

Pienaar joined his Bafana teammates at their Rustenburg base on Sunday and was given a thorough medical inspection.

"He has been receiving treatment and has responded well," said Nematswerani.

Pienaar said the injuries had been giving him "some problems over last three months".

Midfielder Thulani Serero has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. He has been replaced by Lehlohonolo Majoro of Amazulu.

Fullbacks Tsepo Masilela and Anele Ngcongca have been passed fit after suffering minor injuries, as has goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands.

Masilela suffered a hamstring strain in the weekend's practice match against Baroka FC, while Ngcongca has been carrying an ankle injury and Sandilands an elbow ailment.

"Masilela has been playing the entire 90 minutes of the last seven matches of his club and has fully recovered from the operation that he had in January," said Nematswerani. "He unfortunately pulled his left hamstring against Baroka on Saturday."

Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane now has a full 23-man squad and will be working on technical aspects before the team departs for the North African country on Thursday.

Mosimane said that he was expecting a tough match against the hosts, who have named a formidable team for their mission of beating Bafana to remain in contention.

"Last week we put in a lot of effort, but with the full squad this week we will do proper technical training," said Mosimane. "I believe that we can win. They named an experienced team with five strikers and it shows that they will come at us.

"But I think we have a good team with enough experience to go out and get a result while also keeping a clean sheet."