Clean bill of health for Bafana Bafana before the AFCON, as Dr Ngwenya updates on Appollis

Ngwenya was part of Bafana’s contingent last night, as they departed for Morocco via Dubai, just a day after they had beaten a Ghanaian B side 1-0 in the final training match. In this game, Oswin Appollis suffered a knock, but Ngwenya says it was nothing serious after they treated him overnight.

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"It is actually good to mention the fact that we have a clean bill of health. We had knocks yesterday but they were actually treated. Some were worried about Appollis but you can see him walk freely without any issues. So all players are going to be available for selection on Monday," said Dr Ngwenya.

Ngwenya is now going to his fourth AFCON tournament, having covered the first two editions in 2015 and 2019 as Bafana Bafana team doctor. In Morocco, the tournament is played during the winter season, and Ngwenya says this is what the team needs to guard against.

Ngwenya says they also need to work on preventive measures, including the advice he’s shared with the medical team on the use of masks in Morocco.

"Make sure that we have some preventative strategies. We discussed with the Doc that we at least need masks to avoid the airborne infections, because if you have flu infection - you are at risk of having myocarditis. So it is important that we guard against such," added Dr Ngwenya.

As the Vice-President of the CAF Medical Committee, this is also Ngwenya’s first tournament since his appointment, and he reveals his committee’s plans to maintain high health standards throughout the tournament.

"So, from the medical aspects of things - we have done our best as the medical committee to make sure that we prepare, and we had good support from Morocco. We expect a clean bill and we have trained the people there - they know what is expected and they know the emergencies that are common in football. We are expecting a smooth sail," he expressed.