Injury To Affect Downs Defender’s Bafana Chance?

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Malibongwe Khoza recently picked up an injury. Photo: Gallo Images

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Malibongwe Khoza’s Africa Cup of Nations dream could be hanging in the balance, despite his inclusion in the preliminary squad for the upcoming friendly international against Zambia.

Khoza has recently been seen walking on crutches after picking up an injury in the CAF Champions League first leg clash against Remo Stars in Nigeria. The 21-year-old came off after 22 minutes with an ankle injury and was replaced by experienced defender Grant Kekana. 

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Broos named his preliminary squad for next month’s friendly international against Zambia and Khoza’s name is on the list. The Sundowns medical team has been working on getting Khoza back in action, but Soccer Laduma understands that he may not be back in time to feature in Broos’ final squad for the international friendly on November 14.

The defender was part of the Bafana squad for the last two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda and, even though he did not play, he was seen as a potential inclusion for Broos for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

READ: Broos’ Insight Into AFCON Selection, ‘Mshishi’ Update

Before his injury, Khoza was playing a key role alongside Keanu Cupido in Sundowns’ defence and Broos did not hesitate to call him up in the absence of Siyabonga Ngezana in Bafana’s last camp. 

With AFCON less than two months away, he will be hoping to make a return in time to fight for his place in the senior national team. Broos will announce a 23-man squad for AFCON after the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington on December 5.

Broos is expected to announce his final squad for the Zambia match next week.

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