The head coach for the South Africa national team, Hugo Broos has expressed concern ahead of his side’s doubleheader against Ethiopia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Although the coach wanted to have a strong squad for the two matches, he has to prepare without Orlando Pirates talisman Kutumela Thabiso.
The player was vaccinated late and as a result, is unable to travel for the away game against Ethiopia.
Speaking in an interview, Hugo Broos has hit out at officials at Orlando Pirates and says it appears some people do not want the Bafana Bafana to secure qualification to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“I am having a feeling a little bit that some people in this country do not want Bafana to become a successful team.
“You can’t organise for players to get vaccinated during the national team camp.
“The Fifa rules says after the last games the clubs have to release the players and no club activity is possible during that Fifa break, but Sundowns organised for Thabiso to be vaccinated,” Hugo Broos shared.
The South Africa coach added, “Second, which is the most important reason I was angry, if you get vaccinated, you can have symptoms and it is possible that Thabiso, today or tomorrow, can have symptoms like flu, fever or a cough and so I can’t take him with me to Ethiopia.”
South Africa will play Ethiopia on Saturday in Bahir Dar before returning to Johannesburg on Tuesday, for the reverse encounter.