The South African Football Association has confirmed that Bafana Bafana midfielder, Kamohelo Mokotjo, will not be available for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria next month and Lebogang Phiri has been called in his place.
Head Coach, Stuart Baxter, announced his official 25-man squad yesterday, May 25, with Mokotjo on the list of the European-based contingent for the Bafana set-up.
Baxter confirmed yesterday that he was aware that the 26-year-old FC Twente midfielder underwent an operation on his thumb, however, was expecting a full medical report before making a further decision.
The Englishman also revealed that he placed two players on hold while waiting for feedback on Mokotjo’s recuperation. However, the association has since confirmed that Mokotjo has been withdrawn from the squad and Brondby’s Phiri has stepped in to replace the 26-year-old.
“The South African Football Association (SAFA) have received a full medical report concerning midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo in which the FC Twente medical team has also decided to operate the player on his long-standing knee problem,” SAFA confirmed on their official website.
“This means the player won’t be available for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria in Uyo on 10 June 2017.”
“Together with the knee operation, the medical team said the player will also undergo a wrist operation procedure.”
“Unfortunately, he won’t be available for the Nigeria game and Lebogang Phiri of Brondby in Denmark has been called up in his place,” Baxter added.