Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has provided an update regarding Thapelo Maseko as the team prepares to face Nigeria in the Afcon semi-final tie.
The Mamelodi Sundowns star pulled his hamstring muscle in the quarter-final clash with Cape Verde last Saturday.
He had come on as a substitute but got injured during extra time as Bafana went on to win the contest on penalty shootouts.
Broos has now explained the extent of Maseko’s injury as Bafana prepare to face Nigeria in Bouake.
“A little update about the injured player Thapelo Maseko. So, he has muscle injury grade three. So, the tournament is almost finished, but he stays with us. He doesn’t go to South Africa,” Broos told the media.
“And we don’t replace him. There are problems with the visa and the flights. If we should replace him, the player will arrive on Thursday or the worst case maybe Friday.
“So, we don’t want to do that, and we have the opportunity to solve the problem in the group. For that, Thapelo will not be replaced.”
Broos will be hoping Maseko’s absence will not be felt as the 20-year-old has established himself as a national team regular.
He has, of late, been used as an impact substitute and even scored against Namibia after coming off the bench.
Bafana are now finalising their preparations ahead of the clash against the Super Eagles on Wednesday.
The winner will take on either Ivory Coast or DR Congo in Sunday’s final.
