The South African Football Association have replaced injured Bafana Bafana midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo with Lebogang Phiri for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria.

Mokotjo was initially included in Stuart Baxter’s 25-man squad to do duty against the Super Eagles next month. However, the FC Twente man is set to be replaced by Danish-based Phiri, as Mokotjo is set to undergo surgery on his thumb.

“The South African Football Association (SAFA) have received a full medical report concerning midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo in which the FC Twente medical team has also decided to operate the player on his long-standing knee problem,” Safa’s website revealed.

“This means the player won’t be available for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria in Uyo on 10 June 2017.

“Together with the knee operation, the medical team said the player will also undergo a wrist operation procedure.

“Unfortunately, he won’t be available for the Nigeria game, and Lebogang Phiri of Brondby in Denmark has been called up in his place,” Baxter concluded.

South Africa will face Nigeria in an Africa Cup Of Nations qualifying tie on the 9th of June.

Photo: Safa.net

— This story originally appeared on FourFourTwo.co.za