Reported by iDiskiTimes, the Mamelodi Sundowns utility man had been part of Broos’ 32-man provisional squad but had been carrying an injury that ruled him out of his club’s final four matches of the season – including both legs of the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR Rabat.
With the tournament opening against Mexico on 11 June, Broos refused to make the decision until he had seen the full medical picture.
“We knew that Thapelo was injured but we didn’t know everything. So yesterday we had another scan and we had to wait for the result – 1 o’clock, 2 o’clock, 3 o’clock. The doctor was stressed because we wanted the result first before we decided.”
When the report came back, the verdict was clear. Morena would need at least two weeks before he could train with the group – ruling him out of the opening fixtures at minimum.
“It should not be honest to the other players to take Thapelo and drop someone else without being sure he would be ready.”
Broos spoke to Morena personally after the announcement at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House and admitted the conversation stayed with him.
“It was an emotional moment for me too. Thapelo is someone who can change a game – not only when he starts but from the bench. But it is not my heart that decides. It is always my brain.”
Photo: Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images
