South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has named injured Mothobi Mvala in his final list of 23 players set to leave for Ivory Coast ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mvala, who is struggling with a groin injury, is among key players who missed Bafana Bafana’s 0-0 friendly draw against Lesotho at Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium, in Atteridgeville, on Wednesday.

With the team leaving for Ivory Coast on Thursday, Broos provided injury update on two other players, who missed the friendly – goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who is currently being managed by the medical team due to a knee niggle, and midfielder Themba Zwane, who took a knock on the knee a few days.

“Mvala is still part of this team for now. I will not rule him out or think further until I have the full medical details from the Team Doctor. He is still a part of the AFCON-bound team. Mvala is the type of player that gives everything, both during a match and in practice,” Broos said.

His sentiments were echoed by Bafana’s team doctor Tshepo Molobi, who said: “As it is in any camp, we will always be faced with something and this is the nature of football when you’re dealing with athletes. In the case of Mvala, all medical assessments have been made and while we continue practicing caution with all and any injuries, there is no need to rule him out.

“He will travel with the team to Côte d’Ivoire and we as a medical team will continuously monitor all injuries and niggles that need our care.”

The team will depart from Johannesburg to Abidjan on Thursday and will make their residence in CAN Village in Korhogo their home from Friday.