Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has been dealt a major injury concern after key centre-back Siyabonga Ngezana underwent knee surgery, placing his short-term availability in doubt.
The defender was forced to withdraw from FCSB’s Liga 1 fixture against Botoșani after picking up a knee problem. Subsequent medical examinations revealed damage to his meniscus, prompting surgical intervention.
Ngezana has since gone under the knife, with FCSB confirming that the procedure was successful. However, the setback is expected to sideline him for several weeks at a critical stage of the season.
According to FCSB head coach Mihai Stoica, the former Kaizer Chiefs defender is likely to be ruled out for around six weeks.
“Ngezana will undergo surgery; I think he will be out for about six weeks. He has a meniscus injury,” Stoica told the media.
“Now everything is explained. He was probably thinking about the national team and forced himself to play, even though he was injured. That is why his level dropped. At least the mystery has now been solved.”
The injury comes as a concern for Broos, who has regularly relied on Ngezana as a first-choice centre-back in the heart of Bafana Bafana’s defence, often pairing him with Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
South Africa are set to compete at the FIFA World Cup in June and have been drawn into Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent.
At 28, Ngezana brings valuable European experience, and his potential absence would be a significant blow as Bafana Bafana continue their build-up to the global showpiece.
While his expected recovery timeline suggests he could return before the World Cup, Broos will be monitoring his rehabilitation closely, aware of how crucial the defender has become to South Africa’s defensive stability.