With Thabo Nthethe a doubtful starter for Bafana Bafana’s friendly match against New Zealand, Siyabonga Nhlapo looks set to come in as his replacement.
The South African national team will be doing battle against the All Whites on Friday, looking for victory against the hosts, after a morale-boosting draw against World Cup-bound Australia on Monday. The squad has done really well to restore confidence, having been rocked by 15 withdrawals prior to their tour of Australasia.
Reports coming out of New Zealand are that the hosts are taking Bafana seriously, having watched them perform above expectations in the game against the Socceroos. Gordon Igesund is set to ring a few changes, but one forced changed could be that of Nthethe, who has picked up a knock and might not be available for selection.
The Siya crew has been informed that Wits’ Nhlapo could be roped in to fill the gap, but will most probably be moved to right-back, with Anele Ngcongca slotting in at central defence.
Ngcongca will partner up with Buhle Mkhwanazi in the heart of the Bafana defence, with the hope that they will contribute to Igesund’s side keeping the All Whites attackers at bay.
