New Kaizer Chiefs fullback Thabiso Monyahe has been called up to the South Africa squad for Tuesday’s key World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, replacing injured Nyiko Mobbie, the South African Football Association said on Saturday.
Mobbie was injured after five minutes in Friday’s group C triumph over Lesotho at the Free State Stadium, and was replaced by Zuko Mudenyelwa at right back in the 3-0 victory.
Team doctor Tshepo Molobi confirmed that Mobbie was taken to hospital and underwent an operation on Saturday.
“The injury happened as a result of a clash of heads in the first half, and he sustained a fracture of the eye socket in three places,” Molobi said.
RIGHT-BACK CRISIS
There has been a mini crisis at right back for coach Hugo Broos.
South Africa already left out first-choice right back Khuliso Mudau after he had failed to play a game in the new season, having stayed away from training at Mamelodi Sundowns in an effort to force a move away from the Champions, only to return late last month.
Also out injured are Sundowns’ speedster Thapelo Morena and Dean van Rooyen from Orlando Pirates, who would likely have gotten a call-up had they been fit.
Monyane, who won a single cap for Bafana in a friendly against Namibia two years ago, has had a strong start to the season with Chiefs, having been surplus to requirements at Pirates, who let him go at the end of last season.
Friday’s clash also saw centre back Thabo Moloisane taken off with injury, but he is due to return to training on Saturday.
South Africa meet Nigeria at Bloemfontein on Tuesday at 6pm (live on SuperSport).