Thapelo Maseko Injury: Bafana Bafana Coach Broos Discusses Mamelodi Sundowns Forward’s Status

• Bafana Bafana fans are worried about the status of forward, Thapelo Maseko
• The Mamelodi Sundowns man suffered a hamstring injury against Cape Verde
• South Africa meet Nigeria in an AFCON 2023 semi-final battle on Wednesday

South Africa's head coach, Hugo Broos, has provided insight into how Thapelo Maseko's injury is affecting the national team's dynamics amid the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Even though they celebrated a nail-biting 2-1 victory on penalties against Cape Verde in the quarter-finals on February 3, Bafana Bafana encountered a setback with one of their key players hurt.

The Mamelodi Sundowns winger suffered a hamstring injury during the second half of extra time and had to be substituted by Terrence Mashego, casting a shadow over his tournament.

Broos has since confirmed that Maseko would have no further participation in the remainder of the tournament due to the severity of his injury.

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Football

"[Maseko] has a muscle injury, Grade 3. The tournament is almost finished, but he stays with us. He doesn’t go to South Africa," Broos said during a press conference, as quoted by Far Post.

The Belgian also stated there would be no replacement for the forward due to logistical challenges of visas and flight arrangements, and the tight tournament schedule.

Meanwhile, addressing questions from the media about his future with the team, Broos dismissed retirement rumours and believes his journey with Bafana Bafana has not yet concluded.

"Not at all, why should I think of that? We’re still not at the end," said Broos, as reported by iDiski Times.

Despite previous criticism during his tenure in Cameroon, the coach has turned public perceptions around since joining the South African men's national football team two years ago.

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Football

As Bafana Bafana approach the AFCON 2023 semi-final clash with Nigeria, Broos has remained steadfast, aiming to lead his team to their second continental title after winning in 1996.

Bafana Bafana AFCON 2023 record

While South Africa may not dazzle with flashy football, they are well-organised defensively and pose a threat to any opponent, meaning Nigeria should be wary.

Broos, the sole manager among the final four with title-winning experience, boasts an impressive record of five wins, five draws, and one loss in 11 AFCON games.

Bafana Bafana face the Super Eagles tonight (February 7) at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, with Broos and his team eager to continue their unexpected success.

Mihlali Mayambela talks defeating Nigeria

Sports Brief also previously reported on South African forward, Mihlali Mayambela dreaming of beating Nigeria.

In an interview with football expert, Lorenz Kohler, he said it would 'mean everything' to oust the Super Eagles.

South Africa will enter the semi-final seeking a first victory against Nigeria since their two-nil win in June 2017.