Bafana Bafana
Tshabalala given green light
2013-03-20 14:27
Siphiwe Tshabalala (Gallo)
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Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana midfielder Siphiwe
Tshabalala has been cleared to continue training with the national squad
ahead of their crucial Soccer World Cup qualifier against Central African
Republic in Cape Town on Saturday.
Bafana team doctor Carl Tabane
said on Wednesday that Tshabalala's MRI scan results, after he picked
up a knee injury, had returned positive.
"We are pleased with the results and what we have to do now is to monitor him all the way to the match day," Tabane said.
"I believe he should be ready to return to full training on Friday.
"The
MRI scan revealed nothing too serious, which is very encouraging. The
player also wants to play, which will help the healing process."
The
Kaizer Chiefs player missed Bafana's first training session in Cape
Town on Tuesday, due to the niggling knee injury, after he felt some
discomfort during the warm-up session.
After a light training
session on his own on Wednesday, while the rest of the squad was given a
rest, Tshabalala was expected to join his teammates again when they
resumed their training on Thursday.
Bafana have already been
dealt two major blows ahead of the match, with Siyabonga Sangweni and
Tsepo Masilela withdrawn from the squad earlier in the week due to
injuries. They were replaced by Tebogo Langerman and Eric Mathoho,
respectively.
South Africa are third in their World Cup
qualifying group with two points - two adrift of leaders Ethiopia, and
one behind second-placed CAR. Botswana are lying bottom of the table
with one point.