SOUTH AFRICA GET INJURY BOOST AHEAD OF WORLD CUP OPENER AGAINST MEXICO
In an encouraging development for South Africa’s national football team, it has been reported that Aubrey Modiba is likely to be fit for their much-anticipated World Cup opener against Mexico. Modiba, who suffered a hamstring injury during the first leg of the CAF Champions League final last month, successfully participated in his first full training session at the team’s base in Pachuca.
Prior to his injury, Modiba’s impressive free-kick goal helped Mamelodi Sundowns secure an aggregate victory over Moroccan side AS FAR in the semifinals of the CAF Champions League. His absence was felt in the second leg, where the team progressed without their key left-back.
In response to the risk of Modiba not recovering in time, Kaizer Chiefs defender Bradley Cross was called up as a contingency in the Bafana Bafana squad. However, the news regarding Modiba’s progress indicates he is firmly on track to feature in the opening match.
The South African team is set to clash with Mexico in the inaugural match of the tournament in Mexico City on Thursday. Following this encounter, they will face further challenges in Group A against the Czech Republic on June 18 in Atlanta and South Korea on June 24 in Monterrey.
Modiba’s extensive experience could be pivotal for South Africa, making him a prime candidate for a starting position against Mexico, assuming the medical team deems him fit for the entire match duration.
The story of Aubrey Modiba is notable; he was discovered through the Nedbank Ke Yona talent identification program, which annually evaluates thousands of young players, selecting a few for professional development opportunities. Initially playing as a left winger, Modiba caught the attention of the scouting team consisting of Shakes Mashaba, Owen Da Gama, Khabo Zondo, and Mike Mangena during the 2014 season.
His professional journey began at Mpumalanga Black Aces, where he made his PSL debut in February 2015. After establishing himself as a regular under coach Muhsin Ertugral, Modiba found himself involved when the club’s franchise transitioned to Cape Town City in the 2016/17 season. Despite playing only two matches for the team, his decision to join SuperSport United marked the beginning of a successful four-season stint there, before transferring to cross-town rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, where he has continued to excel.
At 30 years old, Modiba boasts an impressive record with 375 appearances and 32 goals throughout his club career, showcasing his significant contribution from the full-back position. Additionally, he has represented the Bafana Bafana in 47 matches since making his international debut at the COSAFA Cup in June 2016, later participating in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
In contrast, his potential competitors for a starting position against Mexico, such as the 22-year-old Samukele Kabini of Molde in Norway, who has only six caps, and Bradley Cross, with just one cap after debuting against Nicaragua last month, lack the experience Modiba possesses. While Kabini and Cross are both more defensively oriented, Modiba’s background as a winger lends him an attacking advantage that could enhance South Africa’s offensive efforts, making the decision a critical factor for coach Hugo Broos.
