Helman Mkhalele

Helman Mkhalele, assistant coach of Bafana Bafana during the International Friendly Bafana Bafana training at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, on 09 June 2021 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Bafana Bafana rocked by 2 new Covid-19 cases on eve of COSAFA Cup semi-final

Bafana Bafana’s preparations for Friday’s COSAFA Cup semi-final against Mozambique have suffered a setback after two members of the team tested positive for Covid-19.

Helman Mkhalele

Helman Mkhalele, assistant coach of Bafana Bafana during the International Friendly Bafana Bafana training at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, on 09 June 2021 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Bafana Bafana’s preparations for Friday’s COSAFA Cup semi-final against Mozambique have suffered a setback after two members of the camp tested positive for Covid-19.

READ | KAIZER CHIEFS FLY ENTIRE SQUAD TO MOROCCO!

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that midfielder Masilake Phohlongo and physiotherapist Nhlanhla Ndlovu both returned positive results for Covid-19 following the latest round of testing.

“At this stage of the tournament to be without key members of the team is unfortunate,” team Doctor Tshepo Molobi said in an official statement.

“We have come so far as a unit and it does cause destabilization. However, we know that there are measures already tried and tested in place, to ensure that the rest of the team stays safe to focus on the rest of the journey, and that those who are sick get the care and treatment they need.”

GALLERY | KAIZER CHIEFS DEPART SOUTH AFRICA, NEXT STOP MOROCCO

Due to having to isolate for a period of 10 days, Phohlongo will miss Bafana Bafana’s last four clash against Mozambique on Friday.

He will also miss Sunday’s final – should Bafana Bafana qualify – against either Senegal or eSwatini.

Meanwhile, coaches Helman Mkhalele and Lucky Shiburi, who tested positive and were immediately isolated upon arrival in Gqeberha, have now served their mandatory 10-day isolation and been cleared.

READ | KAIZER CHIEFS V AL AHLY LIVE ON SUPERSPORT!