Bafana Bafana doctor gives greenlight for Mothobi Mvala to travel

Speaking to SAFA media following the side’s goalless draw against Lesotho on Wednesday afternoon in their final preparation game – played behind closed doors –before heading to the tournament, Molobi did confirm the player was not out of the woods yet.

However, the fact that he remains part of coach Hugo Broos’ 23-man squad that was due to leave on Thursday morning remains a positive sign.

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"As far as Mothobi is concerned we did investigations which came back satisfactory. We're quite hopeful, optimistic that we will get Mothobi ready to participate for our first game on Tuesday," Molobi said.

The Mamelodi Sundowns utility player sat out Bafana’s match against Likwena at the Lucas Moripe Stadium as precaution.

Molobi added there would be further assessments upon arrival in Korhogo, where South Africa will be based for their Group E matches.

"He has gone to do PRP laser treatments for the injury that he sustained and bear in mind that this was more precautionarythant anything. So, I think at this point we will continue treating him and come the weekend, Friday, Saturday, then we will make a final decision after our final fitness test," Molobi added.

Molobi was also asked about goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and Themba Zwane as they too were rested for the friendly match.

"More or less a similar approach with Ronwen and Themba Zwane. Remember we'd always maintained that Sundowns players have just had 30 gruelling games in a short space of time and so we needed to manage their fatigue, we needed to manage their fitness levels. As a result, the approach with them was, let us take precautionary measures as much as possible to keep them as fresh as possible going into the tournament."