Shakes Mashaba, pictured, faces a potential crisis ahead of Bafana Bafana's Cosafa Cup fixture this weekend, with four players returning with injuries from the recent friendlies against Lesotho.
Bafana played to a goalless and 1-1 draw against Likuena last Thursday and Saturday, respectively.
Marc van Heerden (achilles tendon), Puleng Tlolane (thigh muscle), Gift Motupa and Cole Alexander (both ankles) all picked up injuries which are worrying Bafana's technical staff ahead of Sunday's quarterfinal against Botswana at Moruleng Stadium (5.30pm).
Coach Mashaba said he was worried about the four but said he was hoping for the best.
"We have to be careful on how we deal with each case because the registration or deregistration of players for the tournament closes on Wednesday. I believe that by [today] we will know where we stand. We can't wait too long, we have to make decisions and if we are bringing in any new players we have to act quickly," said Mashaba.
He added the clashes against Lesotho were ideal preparation for the Cosafa Cup.
"Both teams played and the matches were ideal. Lesotho played very well and we also had some good moments although the side still has not gelled the way we want them to.
"There is still a lot of individual play. We also looked like we didn't want to commit mistakes and made lives difficult for ourselves. But I believe with time they will come out of their shells."
Injuries blight Bafana's Cosafa Cup warmup
Shakes Mashaba, pictured, faces a potential crisis ahead of Bafana Bafana's Cosafa Cup fixture this weekend, with four players returning with injuries from the recent friendlies against Lesotho.
Bafana played to a goalless and 1-1 draw against Likuena last Thursday and Saturday, respectively.
Marc van Heerden (achilles tendon), Puleng Tlolane (thigh muscle), Gift Motupa and Cole Alexander (both ankles) all picked up injuries which are worrying Bafana's technical staff ahead of Sunday's quarterfinal against Botswana at Moruleng Stadium (5.30pm).
Coach Mashaba said he was worried about the four but said he was hoping for the best.
"We have to be careful on how we deal with each case because the registration or deregistration of players for the tournament closes on Wednesday. I believe that by [today] we will know where we stand. We can't wait too long, we have to make decisions and if we are bringing in any new players we have to act quickly," said Mashaba.
He added the clashes against Lesotho were ideal preparation for the Cosafa Cup.
"Both teams played and the matches were ideal. Lesotho played very well and we also had some good moments although the side still has not gelled the way we want them to.
"There is still a lot of individual play. We also looked like we didn't want to commit mistakes and made lives difficult for ourselves. But I believe with time they will come out of their shells."
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