Banyana Banyana Hit by Covid Cases Fresh From Being Rocked by Thembi Kgatlana Injury

• Banyana Banyana's path towards winning the Africa Women Cup of Nations for the first time was rocked by more bad news
• The squad's team doctor confirmed that two players have tested positive for Covid-19
• This was just days after star striker Thembi Kgatlana was forced to miss the rest of the tournament due to injury

South Africa's hopes of an inaugural Africa Women's Cup of Nations have been affected by another unfortunate turn of events.

Two unidentified individuals have tested positive for Covid-19 while out in Morocco for the 2022 edition of the tournament. Banyana Banyana is preparing to face Tunisia in the quarterfinal set for Thursday, 14 July.

According to the Daily Sun, team doctor Rodney Mokoka said in a statement:

The SASOL-sponsored Banyana Banyana will be forced to soldier on without a number of players after positive Covid-19 cases emerged in camp in Rabat, Morocco. We had one official who tested positive before the Burundi game [in the group stages of the tournament]. The official was isolated and treated as she was symptomatic.

Real Madrid players' wives and girlfriends in 2024 with pictures

Football

“And 48 hours prior to the Botswana game [the final group stage match], we had one player who tested positive for Covid-19 and she was also symptomatic. She was put in quarantine and treated accordingly. Her asymptomatic roommate who tested negative is in isolation, hence they both missed Botswana game.”

The Banyana camp was still reeling from bad news just days before that could have a big impact on how the rest of the tournament plays out. Thembi Kgatlana will miss the rest of the tournament and a large part of the next 12 months after rupturing her Achilles tendon in last Sunday's 1-0 win over Botswana, as was reported by Soccer Laduma.

CAF announces shortlist of players, teams and coaches up for awards to be announced later this month

Panic for African teams as CAF reveals why football body considers postponing AFCON 2023

Football

CAF has confirmed its shortlist for the various categories of awards ahead of the 2022 CAF Awards.

As reported by Sports Brief, the ceremony will be held in Morocco on Thursday, 21 July just days after the Africa Women Cup of Nations wraps up in the North African nation. Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and Mohamed Salah are contenders for the African Player of the Year award following impressive campaigns for club and country.

One category that will be anticipated for keenly is the Coach of the Year award, where various impressive individuals put their hands up convincingly.