Injury Blow for Bafana: Broos Replaces Key Player With Kaizer Chiefs Star Ahead of Nigeria Tie

• Hugo Broos has been faced with a selection problem as one of his trusted players has been ruled out of the game against Nigeria on Tuesday
• The Belgian coach has decided to replace the injured player with a Kaizer Chiefs star ahead of their mouthwatering tie
• The news about the Bafana Bafana squad shake-up sparked different reactions from netizens on social media

Bafana Bafana have suffered a huge setback ahead of their important clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their next World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

South Africa extended their lead at the top of Group C by securing all three points in their 3-0 win over Lesotho at the Free State Stadium on Friday, September 5, 2025.

Former Orlando Pirates forward Mohau Nkota, alongside Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis, found the back of the net as Bafana Bafana thumped their neighbours in Bloemfontein.

Bafana star out of Nigeria's tie, Chiefs player called up

Hugo Broos has received devastating news ahead of Bafana Bafana's clash against Nigeria as one of his key players has been ruled out of the tie due to a serious injury.

Nyiko Mobbie got injured following a clash of heads very early in the first half and was quickly replaced by Broos.

The Belgian tactician has turned to Kaizer Chiefs’ in-form defender Thabiso Monyane, who joined Amakhosi on a free transfer this summer, to fill the void left by the injured Mobbie.

The South African Football Association released an official statement to confirm Monyane's call-up into the Bafana Bafana squad.

“Monyane will join the camp in Bloemfontein this weekend as the South African senior men’s national team now turns its attention to the second World Cup qualifier against Nigeria at the same venue on Tuesday night,” SAFA stated.

Bafana Bafana team doctor Tshepo Molobi gave a clear medical report about the Siwele FC defender. He confirmed that the South African international underwent surgery on Saturday morning after being rushed to the hospital yesterday.

"The injury occurred after a clash of heads in the first half, resulting in a triple fracture to the eye socket,” confirmed Dr. Tshepo Molobi.

The news about Monyane being called as Mobbie's replacement sparked different reactions on social media.

Reactions as Monyane earns late call-up

thisandtgat_ said:

"Monyane, Cele and Peterson should have with no doubt been part of the team."

BBSF88 wrote:

"The great injustice is not having him there in the first place. Including Petersen, Mako& Cele… all on form players."

alexsithole shared:

"This season I’m yet to see a player that worked hard more than Thabiso Monyane. Trained on his own before Chiefs announced then went to the Netherlands after joining Chiefs and performance has been top notch, if there’s someone who deserves the call up is him 🙏🏻"

Andries reacted:

"If the coaches were honest ,Monyane, Petersen and Cele were suppose to be selected but ke Broos is Broos."

SQ_Gunner commented:

"Yet some of my FC fans still think Hugo Broos hates #KaizerChiefs. There's nothing personal. Our players must constantly perform at the highest level to get rewarded with #BafanaBafana call-ups. Be it a straight call up or replacement it doesn't matter. Keep working hard."

Broos names player he's counting on for AFCON, WC

Briefly News also reported that Broos has named the Bafana Bafana star he would be counting on for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Belgian mentor is already looking forward to those tournaments as he continues to lead Bafana Bafana.

Source: Briefly News