Pienaar is one of several injuries within the Bafana camp ahead of a match that the national team cannot even afford to draw.
Mosimane admitted that he was spending sleepless nights over the availability of a player who is expected to inspire Bafana to a first- ever victory in an official match against the Pharaohs.
"He’s an important member of this team and it is a concern," a visibly distraught Mosimane said yesterday.
"Yes, I am concerned but that is life. We need his presence, his experience and his contribution as captain. A decision will have to be taken later in the week as to whether he will play or not. It is a concern to have all the influential players with injuries," he said.
Pienaar is expected to start full training with the rest of the team only tomorrow, but Bafana team doctor Ephraim Nematswerani said he was not the only injury headache. "Siphiwe Tshabalala arrived with a hamstring injury and he has been on a special individual training programme since last Thursday," Nematswerani said.
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| Steve Pienaar |
"He is only expected to start training this week. Reuben Cloete also arrived with a pain in his left groin. The rest of the players are fine and those who are yet to join the camp will be assessed as they arrive," he said.
Bafana are top of Group G with four points after beating Niger 2-0 at home and playing to a goalless draw away to Sierra Leone.
Egypt are at the bottom of the group with just one point from two matches, a position that may see Africa’s most dominant force fail to qualify for a biennial showpiece they have made their own for years.
Mosimane said he expected the Egyptians to come with guns blazing as they have to beat Bafana to maintain fast-fading hopes of qualifying for the African Nations Cup.
"In my opinion they have named their strongest possible squad and that shows how seriously they are taking this match.
"I have said it before, they will come here with the aim of winning this match.
"They do not want just a point because it will not do them any good if they are to move from the bottom of the group. So they are here to fight for a victory.
"But I think we have got enough ammunition to go out there and fight," Mosimane said.
Pienaar will step in and captain Bafana in the absence of the long- serving Aaron Mokoena, who was dropped by Mosimane last week.
The Tottenham midfielder said he would not try to do things differently now that he has been entrusted with the responsibility of the armband.
"I have been around this team for a few years now and I do not expect to have to do anything differently from what Aaron Mokoena used to do," Pienaar said.
"This is the biggest match after the World Cup for us. There is no doubt about that.
"We have to make sure that we do not lose or draw this one. We want to win and personally I am desperate for a win as the captain.
"For me it is an honour to be part of the team again and of course to actually captain the team against Egypt," he said.
"I am really looking forward to Saturday because we know that it is not going to be easy. Hopefully we can get all three points because it is absolutely crucial that we do so," Pienaar said.
Mosimane defended No1 goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, who has come in for a lot of criticism after conceding a litany of goals in his club Kaizer Chiefs’ colours.
"I think he will be okay for this game and he has the experience to withstand whatever they throw at us. So we will stick with him."
Source -http://Businessday.co.za
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