By Sibusiso Masilela

IT’S a blessing in disguise for Sihlangu.
Al Ahly striker Percy Tau has been withdrawn from the international friendly between the national pride, Sihlangu and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana. The former Mamelodi Sundowns player has been replaced by Kaizer Chiefs striker Mduduzi Mdansane ahead of the two neighbouring nations clash slated for Friday at FNB Stadium, Gauteng, with kickoff at 6 pm.

ALSO READ: Nsingizini, MoMo-rable champs

The Hugo Bross squad is still comprised of well-known Premier Soccer League (PSL) stars which include the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns utility player Themba Zwane and Orlando Pirates wing wizard Monapule Saleng. The two countries will be using the friendly match to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers set to commence in November.

Sihlangu is currently in full-time camp at the EFA Technical Centre in Lobamba in preparation for the crunch clash against the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions.
The next FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States of America (USA), Canada and Mexico.