Bafana Bafana have suffered a defensive setback ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea, with Nkosinathi Sibisi ruled out after picking up an injury in training.
South Africa host Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, with returning head coach Pitso Mosimane preparing for his first competitive match back in charge.
Sibisi had been part of Mosimane’s plans, but the Orlando Pirates defender will now miss the opening qualifier after sustaining a knock during training.
Mosimane confirms Sibisi absence
Mosimane confirmed the news while speaking to the media on Friday.
“Setback on Sibisi because he’s got an injury and he has not been training the last two days. He got a knock at training, so we are monitoring it. The doctor says he will miss this one,” Mosimane said.
The coach indicated that Sibisi could potentially return for Bafana’s upcoming fixtures, although his recovery will need to be assessed by the medical team.
Mosimane also stressed the importance of having enough depth in the squad to cope with injuries during an international window.
“Injuries are part of professional sport, hence you select enough numbers because you don’t know what you will have or what you are going to face,” he explained.
Bafana dealing with several absences
Sibisi is not the only player currently unavailable to South Africa.
Lebohang Maboe has already left the national team camp because of injury and was replaced by Tshepang Moremi.
Regular right-back Khuliso Mudau also remains sidelined as he continues his recovery and is not expected to return to action until 2027.
There is better news regarding Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has returned to training with Chicago Fire after recovering from his injury. He is expected to be available for future Bafana qualifiers and friendly matches.
Who replaces Sibisi?
Sibisi’s absence gives Mosimane another selection decision to make ahead of the Guinea encounter.
The Bafana coach will have to decide whether to stick with his preferred defensive structure or turn to another option to partner the remaining defenders.
With Guinea expected to provide a physical test, defensive organisation will be particularly important for South Africa.
Bafana will want to start their AFCON qualifying campaign positively, but the Sibisi setback means Mosimane must make at least one adjustment to his plans.
Will Sibisi be missed against Guinea?
Sibisi’s absence removes another experienced defensive option from the squad, but Bafana have selected enough players to provide cover.
The bigger question is whether his replacement can step in without disrupting South Africa’s defensive balance.
With the qualifier fast approaching, Mosimane will hope his remaining defenders can deliver a composed performance and help Bafana begin their AFCON campaign on a positive note.
