Patrick Maswanganyi ruled out of Bafana Bafana squad with injury
South African midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi, who plays for Orlando Pirates, has unfortunately been forced to withdraw from the Bafana Bafana squad due to an injury. This news comes as a setback for Bafana head coach Hugo Broos as he prepares his team for the upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup Group C qualifier against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday.
Maswanganyi, who impressed in Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last November by scoring against Uganda and South Sudan, was seen as a key player in Broos’ squad. His absence leaves a void in the team, especially with Themba Zwane still recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
To fill the gap left by Maswanganyi, Polokwane City midfielder Ndamulelo Maphangule has been called up to the Bafana squad. Maphangule will now have the opportunity to showcase his talents and contribute to the team’s performance in the upcoming matches.
Despite the setback, Broos remains optimistic about Bafana’s chances in the upcoming qualifiers. The coach praised the condition of the pitch at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, describing it as “beautiful” and emphasizing that there are no excuses for not securing a positive result against Lesotho.
Following a recent match at the stadium between Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch FC, where the pitch was in excellent condition, Broos expressed his satisfaction with the playing surface. He commended the efforts of those involved in restoring the pitch after it was damaged by a concert in December 2024.
With Maswanganyi sidelined, Broos will need to make strategic decisions regarding the team’s lineup and tactics for the upcoming matches against Lesotho and Benin. The coach is confident that with the support of the fans and the improved pitch conditions, Bafana Bafana can deliver strong performances and secure crucial victories in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
