Ndlovu ruled out of Bafana Bafana qualifier vs Cameroon

Cyprus-based striker Dino Ndlovu has been withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana squad to face Cameroon in back-to-back 2017 Gabon Orange Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to injury.

Ndlovu injured his left knee in his club's match over the weekend and was assessed by the Bafana Bafana team medico, Dr Thulani Ngwenya on Monday (21 March) when we arrived for camp. He was subsequently ruled out of the upcoming clashes.
"It is always a blow when we lose a player that we have called up into the national team, but having said that we have to forge ahead. We would have loved to have him with us, but it is just unfortunate. Injuries are part of the game. We can only wish him a speedy recovery. We are still working on the replacement as we definitely need someone in that position because goals are of paramount importance in the two matches," said Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba.

Other injury concerns in the squad are of Belgium-based midfielder Andile Jali who has dislocated his shoulder; France-based defender Anele Ngcongca is nursing an abdominal muscle strain, while Orlando Pirates defender Thabo Matlaba has injured his toe.

"Fortunately the injuries to the trio are manageble so we will be able to deal with them during our camp. I am confident by the time we play our match they will be ready," said Dr Ngwenya.

Other than Ndlovu, all the players were expected in camp by tonight (Monday, 21 March) except for the Mamelodi Sundowns players - Hlompho Kekana, Asavela Mbekile and Themba Zwane - who were out of the country on CAF duties. They are expected to report for national team duty only on Tuesday (22 March).