MONDAY, 1.00PM:
BAFANA BAFANA and Mamelodi Sundowns midfield strongman Linda Buthelezi is out of the squad to face Congo in the World Cup qualifying match on Saturday after injuring his right leg in the Premier League game against Orlando Pirates on Saturday. Buthelezi was given his marching orders by referee Des Goslett after he tackled Pirates’ midfielder Brendan Silent in the 31st minute of their Premier League encounter.
This is a blow to national coach Clive Barker as Bafana Bafana play their do-or-die match against the Red Devils at the FNB Stadium on Saturday. Buthelezi forms an important part of Barker’s midfield.
“It’s a blow as Buthelezi has played a big part in our World Cup build-up,” said Barker about the man he calls “the Mercedes-Benz of Bafana Bafana”. He said he hoped this was the end of the injury nightmare.
National team doctor Victor Ramathesela said Buthelezi’s leg is in plaster and he will be out of action for some time.