Bafana Bafana have been dealt an injury blow with Cape Town City winger Aubrey Ngoma withdrawn from the squad that will do duty in the Cosafa Cup.

After a sensational Absa Premiership season, Ngoma was called up to the national team in their 2-1 loss against Zambia in an international friendly earlier this month. Now, however, the former Orlando Pirates man’s progress has been impeded after a scan discovered that he is suffering from a knee injury.

‘It’s an injury that he has carried through the season‚ an old injury that has now completely torn,’ coach Stuart Baxter told the media.

‘He has had a scan and the doctor has told me he could be out for a while,’ he added.

Baxter handed the captaining duties to Lehlogonolo Masalesa, who is also currently said to be nursing an injury. But ‘Viera’ is looking forward to the challenge of defending their title as they kick-start their campaign at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Sunday afternoon.

‘I believe we have a very interesting group who want to go as far as possible in the tournament.

‘My own idea is to improve as player and learn from a coach like Stuart Baxter,’ he added.

The Scotsman interrupted the former Orlando Pirates man to reveal that he would lead the team, in addition to heaping praise on the Greek-based player.

‘Viera’s comments have earned him the captaincy. No‚ seriously, we had decided he would be skipper before those comments.

‘He’s achieving overseas‚ he’s a personality and a player whose quality can be seen on the field. He’s got the right presence to be a captain‚’ added Baxter.

‘When I was at Chiefs‚ he was a player that I wanted to sign,’ he said.

The 25-year-old admitted that the decision to hand him the armband surprised him, but claims that he will do everything in his power to ‘make the best use of this opportunity’.

‘That’s a lot for me to digest, so I don’t want to make an irrational answer.

‘It’s a shock because I believe there are several leaders in this squad. It’s a big honour I plan to take in my stride.

‘Now I want to make the best of this opportunity‚’ he concluded.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu /BackpagePix

– This story originally appeared on SoccerClub.co.za