Cape Town City duo withdraw from Bafana squad after positive COVID-19 tests

Bafana Bafana defenders Thamsanqa Mkhize and Abubbaker Mobara have tested positive for COVID-19, a statement from their club Cape Town City revealed on Sunday.

 The two players were in a national camp ahead of the Afcon 2021 qualifiers against Sao Tome e Principe.

COVID-19 cases in the Bafana camp

Both players have been withdrawn from the Bafana squad and will not feature in any of the two back-to-back fixtures against the islanders.

“Thamsanqa Mkhize and Abbubaker Mobara have been in isolation following a positive COVID-19 test. They will miss international duty and we wish them both a speedy recovery, ” the statement from Cape Town City read.

South Africa play the first of their two matches against Sao Tome at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, before the two sides contest the return leg on Monday, 16 November.

They are currently second in Group C of the qualifier behind Ghana, whom they lost away to in their opening match.

Squad for Afcon qualifiers 

• Goalkeepers: Darren Keet (Oud-Haverlee Leuven FC), Ronwen William (Supersport United), Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs FC).
• Defenders: Thibang Phete (Belenenses), Motjeka Madisha (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thulani Hlatshwayo (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Lakay (Mamelodi Sundowns), Innocent Maela (Orlando Pirates), Rushine de Reuck (Maritzburg United), Reeve Frosler (Kaizer Chiefs).
• Midfielders: Andile Jali (Mamelodi Sundowns), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thulani Serero (Al Jazira), Teboho Mokoena (SuperSport United), Bongani Zungu (Rangers), Keagan Dolly (Montpellier), Percy Tau (Anderlecht), Lebohang Manyama (Kaizer Chiefs), Kamohelo Mokotjo (FC Cincinnati), Luther Singh (Sporting Braga), Dean Furman (Carlisle United).
• Strikers: Kermit Erasmus (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bradley Grobler (Supersport United), Thabiso Kutumela (Maritzburg United).