Siyabonga Ngezana set to miss FIFA World Cup?

Bafana Bafana defender Siyabonga Ngezana is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.

The 28-year-old stalwart got injured during a warm-up, ahead of FCSB's match against Botosani in the Romanian Liga I last Thursday.

Ngezana swiftly underwent an MRI scan, which revealed he has a damaged meniscus, prompting the player to go under the knife.

“Ngezana will undergo surgery. I think he will be out for about six weeks. He has a meniscus injury. Now it is explained. It is incomprehensible that he, probably thinking about the national team, forced himself, played like that, did not play at the level he used to,” FCSB President Mihai Stoica told Romanian outlet Fanatik.

"We don't understand why such a valuable player would have such a steep decline, but he was injured and playing with problems. At least now the mystery has been solved.

Ngezana is likely to return to training in April, while the highly anticipated continental showpiece set to be co-hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada will commence in June.

Bafana have been drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea, and the winner of the UEFA Playoff D - Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Denmark, or North Macedonia.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.