Kaizer Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson has explained the surprise absence of midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa during his side's 1-0 win over Richards Bay and why the midfielder's place in the Bafana squad may be in doubt.
Chiefs made it three wins from three matches with a DStv Premiership 1-0 win over The Natal Richboys thanks to midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo's strike.
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One surprise absence from Chiefs line-up was that of midfielder Mthethwa who did not make it to the matchday squad, having been a key figure since his high-profile arrival for a reported R10 million fee from Stellenbosch FC in September.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Johnson explained that Mthethwa had suffered an ankle injury after a 'freak accident' during training and could not make it to Saturday's match.
"Ox (Mthethwa) had an injury at training," Johnson said.
"He hurt his ankle, freak of an accident, and we sent him for x-rays and things like that. He came back and according to the medical team, he has to stay out for a little bit.
"Whether he'll be back for AFCON or our next game, I cannot say.
"Mthethwa was named in the 50-man preliminary Bafana squad that is scheduled to report for camp on 4 January to begin preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations.
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Should the 28-year-old fail to recover in time, it would be a second injury setback from Bafana coach Hugo Broos, having lost striker Lebo Mothiba to a knee injury.
Alongside Mthethwa, teammates Given Msimango and Bruce Bvuma will also be vying for a place in the final 23-man squad that will head to Ivory Coast.
Meanwhile, Chiefs return to action with a DStv Premiership clash against Sekhukhune United on Saturday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. Kick-off is at 20:00.
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