Head coach Hugo Broos has been handed some relief with the return of a key player ahead of Tuesday's clash against Ivory Coast after losing Monnapule Saleng and Zakhele Lepasa due to medical reasons.
South Africa is set to welcome back captain Ronwen Williams into the starting line-up during Tuesday's friendly against The Elephants to be played in West Africa.
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The 30-year-old suffered an ankle injury during Mamelodi Sundowns' MTN8 Final against Orlando Pirates and consequently missed out on Friday's 0-0 draw against Eswatini.
However, Broos opted to keep Williams with the camp despite the injury in hopes that the shot stopper could regain match fitness in time for what should be a testing encounter against Ivory Coast.
Speaking to SAFA media ahead of the match, Broos confirmed that the gamble on Williams had paid off.
"Yes, there's no doubt, but we will play with Ronwen in the goal and that's why we kept him with us. We spoke with the doctor and he promised us that Ronwen back for the game of Tuesday, so I think we made the right choice," Broos said.
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Williams' return carries a particular significance to Broos, who has emphasised the importance of establishing and maintaining a core team in preparation for next year's Afcon.
The goalkeeper's return therefore comes as step in the right direction for the Belgian tactician who has had to replace Monnapule Saleng due to illness and lost Zakhele Lepasa to a knee injury.
Thapelo Maseko, Thapelo Morena and Bathusi Aubaas are also out of action due to injuries, while Percy Tau withdrew from the squad due to family reasons.
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