Kamohelo Mokotjo withdrawn from Bafana squad to meet Nigeria

26 May 2017 - 15:54 By Marc Strydom
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Kamohelo Mokotjo (L) during the International friendly match between South Africa and Guinea-Bissau at Moses Mabhida Stadium on March 25, 2017 in Durban, South Africa.
Kamohelo Mokotjo (L) during the International friendly match between South Africa and Guinea-Bissau at Moses Mabhida Stadium on March 25, 2017 in Durban, South Africa.
Image: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images

FC Twente midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo has been withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana squad for their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria through injury.

Danish-based Lebogang Phiri of Brondby has been called as a replacement.

New Bafana coach Stuart Baxter had said on announcing his squad on Thursday that there was a red flag over Mokotjo over a broken hand.

Baxter said the Dutch-based star had been included pending a full medical report‚ and with the belief he could recover in time for the qualifier against the Super Eagles in Uyo on June 10.

  • Baxter reveals he called Serero to explain reasons behind his omission from Bafana squadStuart Baxter contacted Thulani Serero to inform the Ajax Amsterdam player that his lack of game time‚ and uncertainty over his next club destination‚ was the reason the midfield star was left out of the coach's first Bafana Bafana squad. 

On Friday Safa posted on their website that they had received a medical report detailing that Twente’s medical staff have decided to operate on a knee problem‚ as well as Mokotjo’s wrist.

“The South African Football Association have received a full medical report concerning midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo in which the FC Twente medical team has also decided to operate the player on his long-standing knee problem‚” Safa stated.

  • Stuart Baxter announces Bafana squad to face Nigeria in 2019 Afcon qualifierNew Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter finally showed his hand when he announced his first squad as national team boss. 

“This means the player won’t be available for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria in Uyo on 10 June 2017.

“Together with the knee operation‚ the medical team said the player will also undergo a wrist operation procedure.”

The statement quoted Baxter as saying: “Unfortunately‚ he won’t be available for the Nigeria game and Lebogang Phiri of Brondby in Denmark has been called up in his place.”

  • Mokotjo finishes 11th in polling for Dutch Footballer of the Year awardBafana Bafana midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo finished in 11th place in the polling for the Dutch Footballer of the Year award‚ based on points given after each match for performance. 

Mokotjo made a return to the national team – having declared himself unavailable after a fallout with previous coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba – for the home friendlies against Guinea-Bissau and Angola in March.

The midfielder arrived in camp with a citizenship issue clouding his availability. This eventually was resolved by Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba granting a resumption of citizenship on the day before the game against Guinea-Bissau.

- TMG Digital/TMG Sport

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now