Bafana Bafana roster change: Hugo Broos hands late call-up to Kaizer Chiefs centre-back 

Bafana Bafana have made a change to their roster before their trip to Uyo for a 2026 World Cup qualifying match against three -time African champions Nigeria. 

The South African Football Association confirmed on Monday afternoon that manager Hugo Broos has made one change to their initial squad announced last week.

Mamelodi Sundowns star Grant Kekana has been forced to pull out of the squad due to injury and his spot has been taken by Kaizer Chiefs central defender Given Msimango, who has already reported for international duty.

Grant Kekana's withdrawal is a significant setback for the South Africa team as he was a strong candidate to be named in the starting lineup to face Nigeria, assuming he was in tiptop condition.

The Mamelodi Sundowns number 20 was replaced at halftime this past weekend as the Brazilians were beaten 2-1 by Orlando Pirates in the final of the Nedbank Cup. 

Kekana was in the Bafana Bafana squad that performed admirably in their shootout loss to the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, playing for 115 minutes before he was sent off for denying Terem Moffi a goalscoring opportunity.

His replacement, Given Msimango is a rookie on the international stage, with no competitive appearances to his name. 

Nigeria have had their own injury issues before the blockbuster clash versus South Africa on Friday, June 7, with reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen joining Tyronne Ebuehi, Moses Simon and Zaidu Sanusi in the treatment room.

Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella excused himself from the World Cup qualifiers, citing family reasons. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: safa.net

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