BAFANA BAFANA IS GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT BUSINESS

Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter said he remained upbeat for Friday's all-important 2018 Soccer World Cup qualifier against Senegal at the Peter Mokaba Stadium as his chargers got down to business in sweltering Limpopo heat. 

The team had a two-hour training session in the morning despite the scorching heat, according to the SAFA website. Veteran Siphiwe Tshabalala and Thulani Hlatshwayo were pulled off later during the morning session as a safety measure. 

Tshabalala sustained a minor hip injury during Kaizer Chief's win over Chippa United in a Telkom Knockout match while captain Hlatshwayo seems to have recovered from his foot injury. 

“We gave them a small rest just as a precaution but it is nothing serious. Both are fine and should be available for the final selection for the match on Friday,” said coach Baxter.

Coach Baxter has called up Tiyani Mabunda, there are possibilities that midfielder Hlompho Kekana might not return due to bereavement in his family on Monday. 

The coach left the door open for Kekana to make a decision on whether he wants to return to camp or remain with his family. That will mean that Mabunda will take the place left open by the absence of Thulani Serero who told the team management he will not join the team for the Senegal games. 

Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is expected to travel to Polokwane, where he will be further assessed by team doctor Dr Thulani Ngwenya.

Khune suffered a facial fracture during Sunday’s match against Chippa United but Ngwenya has always insisted that the team was hopeful that the influential keeper will form part of the squad for Friday.

All overseas players arrived on Tuesday and were part of the afternoon training session. Those who arrived on Tuesday are Keagan Dolly, Andile Jali and Lebogang Manyama.