South Africa have received a significant fitness boost ahead of their FIFA World Cup opener against Mexico after defender Aubrey Modiba returned to full training following a hamstring injury.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos confirmed the development after Monday’s training session, expressing optimism that the experienced left-back will be available for Thursday’s clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Modiba had been sidelined since sustaining the injury during the first leg of Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League final on 17 May. Despite the setback, the defender has made encouraging progress and is now back training with the squad.
“I think things are going well with Aubrey,” Broos said. “We have given him special treatment and, if everything continues positively over the next few days, he should be available for the match.”
The 30-year-old has been carefully managed since joining the national team camp, with Broos using recent friendly matches to assess alternatives, including Samukele Kabini and Bradley Cross.
Modiba’s return will be particularly welcome given his experience at both club and international level. The defender played a key role in Sundowns’ CAF Champions League triumph, scoring the decisive goal in the first-leg victory over Morocco’s AS FAR before his injury.
His comeback also strengthens a South African squad heavily influenced by Sundowns players. Broos believes their experience in high-pressure continental competitions could prove invaluable during the World Cup.
“It is important to have players who are accustomed to playing at a higher level and under significant pressure,” he explained. “The Sundowns players bring that mentality, and it positively influences the rest of the squad.”
South Africa begin their campaign against co-hosts Mexico before taking on fellow group opponents in their quest to progress beyond the opening round.
