Head coach Hugo Broos has expressed his delight at having Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala back in the thick of Bafana Bafana things as the national side gets ready for two crucial AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Bafana are in the second day of training in preparation for the last round of qualifiers in efforts to secure a spot at next year's Africa Cup of Nations.
They cross swords with Uganda on Friday, 15 November, before doing battle with South Sudan four days later.
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Although Broos is missing several senior players ahead of the two fixtures, such as Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster, Sphephelo Sithole and Percy Tau, he is relieved to have the tough-as-teak Mvala back.
"First of all, I was very happy that Mothobi played again at Sundowns," Broos said.
"If you see the things he did in the past for Bafana Bafana, I think I'm very happy that he's back. He is not the finest, biggest, most talented players of South Africa, but he is so important for us in the past games.
"So, it was a loss that he was not with us, for example, in Congo, because that is the player that can help us in such games. So, I am very happy that he is back, I'm very happy that is playing again at Sundowns in the last games so he has the feeling of the games.
"You will see and you have seen already in the past how important he is for us," added the Belgian who has promised to resign should South Africa fail to book the ticket to the showpiece set to be held in Morocco.
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Mvala has made just five appearances for The Brazilians so far this season, having struggled with an injury.
The 30-year-old has also contributed a single goal since his return.
Bafana's match against Uganda will be played at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium.
Kick-off is at 15:00 SA time.