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Bafana Bafana get down to business

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter said he remained upbeat for Friday’s all important 2018 Soccer World Cup qualifier against Senegal at the Peter Mokaba Stadium as his charges got down to business in sweltering Limpopo heat.

According to the SAFA website, with most players having reported for duty, the squad had a two-hour training session in the morning despite the scorching heat. 

Veteran Siphiwe Tshabalala and Thulani Hlatshwayo were pulled off later during the morning session as a precautionary move.

Tshabalala sustained a minor hip injury during Kaizer Chiefs’ win over Chippa United in a Telkom Knockout match while captain Hlatshwayo seems to have recovered from his troublesome foot injury.

“We gave them a small rest just as a precaution but it is nothing serious. Both are fine and should be available for the final selection for the match on Friday,” said coach Baxter.

While the coach has called up Tiyani Mabunda, there are possibilities that midfielder Hlompho Kekana might return to camp if he feels fine following bereavement in his family on Monday.

Coach Baxter left the door open for Kekana to make a decision on whether he wants to return to camp or remain with his family during the bereavement.

That will mean that Mabunda will take the place left open by the absence of Thulani Serero who has told the team management that he will not join the team for Senegal games.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is expected to be travelling to Polokwane this evening where he will further be assessed by team doctor, Dr Thulani Ngwenya.

Khune suffered a facial fracture during Sunday’s match against Chippa United but Ngwenya has always insisted that the team was hopeful that the influential keeper will form part of the squad for Friday.

All overseas players arrived on Tuesday and were part of the afternoon training session. Those who arrived on Tuesday are Keagan Dolly, Andile Jali and Lebogang Manyama.

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