Share

Mahlangu blow for Bafana

Johannesburg - Midfielder May Mahlangu is facing a long layoff after suffering a serious injury during a training session with Swedish club Helsingborg, the SA Football Association said on Tuesday.

“It is always terrible when a Bafana Bafana player gets injured and is not available for selection," Bafana Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund said in a statement.

"I wish him a speedy recovery and hope he is back in action soon.”

Mahlangu will undergo surgery on Wednesday for his Achilles tendon injury and is expected to be out of action for up to four months.

He will miss Bafana Bafana's clashes against Nigeria on August 14, in Durban, and Burkina Faso on August 17 in Johannesburg.

He will also be out of action for South Africa's crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier against Botswana in September. Mahlangu is sad that he will not take part in Bafana’s upcoming matches.

“I would have loved to be there to represent my country but circumstances alter cases. I have great confidence, however, that whoever is selected will do a good job,” Mahlangu said by statement.

“It will be sad watching from the sidelines, knowing you cannot help your team-mates, because we all want to see our country do well. The guys have my full support. What is important for me now is to focus on my recovery process.”

Mahlangu's contract with Helsingborg ends in December and he had hopes of moving to one of the bigger leagues in Turkey, England or France.

“It’s one of those things. Injuries are part of the game. I just have to be positive and get back on my feet," he said.

"Yes it is a setback, but it is not the end of the world, I must just take it one day at a time and not rush coming back as it might affect me in the long run.”

Mahlangu will start his rehabilitation in Sweden, immediately after the operation, and is expected to return home to continue his recovery.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE