Mamelodi Sundowns striker Kermit Erasmus has returned to Bafana training after missing the home leg of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2021 qualifiers against Sao Tome e Principe on Friday.
Kermit Erasmus back in training
The 30-year-old did not make the match day squad for the 2-0 win in Durban but, according to Safa, he is back in training ahead of Monday’s fixture, which takes place in his home city, Port Elizabeth.
“Coach (Molefi) Ntseki said he wanted to take it easy on Saturday before wrapping up preparations on Sunday afternoon.There are no fresh injuries and homeboy, Kermit Erasmus who missed Friday’s win, joined the rest of the team in the regeneration excercises,” Safa said in a statement.
South African Football Association
Much-needed boost for Bafana Bafana
His availability for selection could go some way to addressing Bafana’s struggles in front of goal after they failed to breakdown the islanders – ranked 110 places below them in the Fifa rankings – at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.
The breakthrough eventually came ten minutes into the second half, when Percy Tau won a penalty, which he converted before a leaping header from Bongani Zungu made it 2-0 in the dying stages of the contest.
An extra goal-scoring threat has been added as an option in Erasmus, who achieved his best goal tally in the Premier Soccer League, netting 14 times across competitions in the 2019/20 season for Cape Town City.
The Bafana striker has already gotten off the mark for his new club with a goal in the league opener against Kaizer Chiefs.
His presence in the squad gives coach Molefi Ntseki another striking option in the absence of Bradley Grobler, who withdrew from the squad earlier in the week.
The match between Sao Tome e Principe and South Africa kicks off at 15:00 (SAST) on Monday.
