South Africa's Team Captain/Goalkeeper to Miss All-Important CHAN 2014 match Against Nigeria!

The captain of the South African team, Itumeleng Khune is unhappy he will not be playing against the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Cape Town Stadium in South Africa. In his words he said: “I was really looking forward to this match as it is one that will decide our fate in the tournament. I am very sad and disappointed that I will not be playing... It is not nice missing such an important fixture for your country, but I believe Josephs and Mpontshane are capable of doing a great job... But then again these things happen – injuries are part and parcel of the game and hopefully I will be back in the side for the following match.” South Africa will tackle the Super Eagles at the 2014 CHAN Group A clash on Sunday, 6pm Nigerian time.

The captain, who is also the goalkeeper, suffered an ankle injury on Wednesday night (January 15) and was taken for a scan the next day.

He tried to train alone on Saturday to see if he could force his way into the team for Sunday’s crucial tie, but medics ruled him out. he said.

The Bafana Coach, Gordon Igesund, who broke the news to the media, said the South Africa squad still boasts of capable replacements to fill the void.

“Khune will not make it for tomorrow’s (Sunday) match. We will have to do without him for this crucial encounter. We have very capable replacements in Moeneeb Josephs and Siyabonga Mpontshane who I believe will pull us through, but I will most likely go with Josephs... Hopefully we still have more matches after this one and Khune will be able to join us. For now his health is important. Rather not use him now and have him available for the latter stages of the tournament instead of playing him tomorrow and losing him for a longer period of time. The risk is too high.”

Nigeria needs a win against South Africa, while all the Bafana bafana needs is a draw to move to the quarter finals.