Aubrey Modiba
LWB
Possession Builder
Jul 22, 1995 (30)
Left
5'7"
117 lb
Limited impact in loss
Modiba recorded one shot (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Thursday's 2-0 defeat to Mexico.
Analysis: Modiba tried to create a bit on the left flank, but as a left-back, he was also worried about containing Roberto Alvarado and later Gilberto Mora. Modiba should maintain his place in the starting lineup when South Africa take on Czech Republic on June 18 in their second group-stage match.
Starts World Cup opener
Modiba (hamstring) is in the starting XI for Thursday's World Cup opener against Mexico.
Analysis: Modiba made his return to the starting lineup after being unavailable for the recent friendly, with his progression to training on Tuesday proving sufficient for manager Hugo Broos to hand him the left wingback role for the most important fixture of South Africa's campaign. The defender's recovery from the hamstring issue had been the major storyline heading into the tournament opener, and his availability is a significant boost for a Bafana Bafana side heading into a high-stakes World Cup opener against Mexico.
Set to train, likely for opener
Modiba (hamstring) is set to train Tuesday and is likely to be an option for Thursday's opener against Mexico, according to manager Hugo Broos, per Velile Mnyandu of SABC Sports.
Analysis: Modiba is on the mend this week as he nears a return to play, with the defender set to join training Tuesday. This opens up the availability for the defender when facing Mexico on Thursday, appearing to now be an option for the team's World Cup opener, major news after he was not used in a friendly. He is set to start at left-back, so this is a major return for the club if it comes to fruition, with Samukele Kabini as a possible replacement after he started at left-back in their latest friendly.
Won't be risked in friendly
Modiba (hamstring) is close to rejoining full training and is expected to be available for South Africa's World Cup opener against Mexico on June 11 despite missing Friday's friendly against Jamaica, according to Hugo Broos, per Kickoff. "I think Aubrey is very close to training with the group if everything goes well with him. I expect him, maybe not for the game against Jamaica. We will not take any risks with him, but I'm sure that he will be there for the opening game."
Analysis: Modiba suffered a hamstring injury during the first leg of the CAF Champions League final with Sundowns, having scored a vital free-kick goal in that match before being forced off, and only passed a late fitness test by the narrowest of margins to be included in the final squad. The left-back had been one of the most reliable full-backs in the Betway Premiership throughout the season, contributing four assists alongside his continental final goal, and manager Hugo Broos will be eager to have one of his most important defensive and creative outlets available from the very first game of the tournament.
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