Morena is a highly versatile player who can play as a right-back, right wing-back, out-and-out winger or as a false No 9.
BAFANA Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki has described Thapelo Morena’s six-month injury lay-off as a massive blow for the national team.
The Mamelodi Sundowns utility player suffered a horrific ankle fracture during the Nedbank Cup last 32 blockbuster against SuperSport United and will be out for the rest of the season.
The versatile player has been an integral part of the country’s senior national team since Ntseki took over as coach following Stuart Baxter’s resignation.
The 26-year-old will miss Bafana’s back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Sao Tome and Principle next month.
“Ja, I think it is a blow not only for Bafana Bafana but for football, especially if you look at the extent of the injury itself,” Ntseki explained.
“But I think he is a strong man. He has got the best medical help in this country. I think he will get the right rehab. He will recover soon and be back because football is his career. He has to look after his family and after himself.”
Highly versatile
Morena is a highly versatile player who can play as a right-back, right wing-back, out-and-out winger or as a false No 9.
Those qualities will be missed by both club and country for the next six months.
Having campaigned in the CAF Champions League with Sundowns over the last few years, Morena was going to provide valuable experience for Ntseki’s squad.
“I spoke to him the day he got injured and I also spoke to him after the operation. He is very positive. He’s got very good support. We are all giving him the support he needs,” Ntseki added.
Thamsanqa Mkhize is expected to replace Morena at right-back for Bafana with Reeve Frosler likely to provide cover for the Cape Town City defender who was influential for Bafana at this year’s edition of the Afcon.
Frosler, on the other hand, has been on top of his game for Kaizer Chiefs at right-back.
“What is good now is that every player sees himself qualified to play for Bafana Bafana. That’s why it is so interesting for me as a coach,” said the coach.
“I went to watch Maritzburg United and Bidvest Wits last week. A very interesting match for Maritzburg to have won the game. A number of players did well for them.
“I also watched Maritzburg on TV against Kaizer Chiefs and it was a very interesting match.”
