Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners has been withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana squad and replaced by Orlando Pirates forward Evidence Makgopa.
According to the South African Football Association (SAFA), Rayners has been released from the national team camp due to medical reasons and has returned to his club for recovery.
Makgopa has long been one of coach Hugo Broos’ most trusted players, having featured prominently during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in the Ivory Coast earlier last year, where Bafana Bafana secured the bronze medal.
The Pirates striker was also part of Broos’ first match in charge in June 2021 against Uganda in a friendly at Orlando Stadium, where he found the back of the net. Although Broos was not present on the touchline for that match, he was recovering in Belgium after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination.
Makgopa joins the current Bafana Bafana camp after missing a penalty for Pirates in their Carling Knockout round of 16 clash against Siwelele, which the Buccaneers still went on to win over the weekend.
The former Baroka FC striker last featured for the national team in November last year, during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan.
Bafana Bafana are preparing for two crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers — against Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, and Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium next Tuesday.
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