Egypt-based star Percy Tau has been ruled out of Bafana Bafana’s 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia early next month due to injury.
The 27 year-old forward, who recently completed a move to Egyptian giants Al Ahly is the major absentee from the final 23-man Bafana Bafana squad named by coach Hugo Broos on Monday.
The Belgian tactician initially called up 34 players for his preliminary squad.
On Monday coach Broos selected his final 23-man squad.
The major omission is that of Tau, who is yet to feature for Al Ahly after suffering a hamstring injury during South Africa’s previous World Cup qualifier against Ghana on September 24.
Bafana have a busy schedule next month as they face Ethiopia in a double-header on October 9 and 11 at home and away respectively.
Broos and his players will be hoping to defend their lead at the top of Group G in the FIFA World Cup qualification.
South Africa have collected four points so far, after drawing 0-0 with Zimbabwe and beating Ghana 1-0.
Zimbabwe and Ghana have since sacked their coaches.
Bafana Bafana Squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Supersport United FC) Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu FC) Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
Defenders: Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United FC) Njabulo Blom (Kaizer Chiefs FC) Terrence Mashego (Cape Town City FC) Sifiso Hlanti (Kaizer Chiefs FC) Rushine De Reuck (Mamelodi Sundowns FC) Siyanda Xulu (Hapoel Tel Aviv) Njabulo Ngcobo (Kaizer Chiefs FC) Mosa Lebusa (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Midfielders: Thabani Zuke (Golden Arrows FC) Mothobi Mvala (Mamelodi Sundowns FC) Yusuf Maart (Sekhukhune FC) Teboho Mokoena (SuperSport United) Goodman Mosele (Orlando Pirates FC) Ethan Brooks (TS Galaxy FC)
Forwards: Thabiso Kutumela (Mamelodi Sundowns FC) Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Maritzburg United FC) Evidence Makgopa (Baroka FC) Victor Letsoalo (Royal Am FC) Vincent Pule (Orlando Pirates FC) Tshegofatso Mabasa (Orlando Pirates FC)
