Bafana Bafana Squad Talking Points

Hugo Broos announced his Bafana Bafana squad for the international friendlies against France and Guinea, and as usual, generated some controversy with his selections.

Bafana have been an improved outfit under Broos since he replaced Molefi Ntseki last year, albeit not quite good enough to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar with some dubious refereeing decisions going against them.

Broos has continued to make surprising selections, but even if Bafana fans do not always agree with him, the Belgian mentor has surely built up credit with solid performances so far.

Andile Jali Left Out

The major talking point from the squad was the omission of Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder despite his impressive form at club level. Jali starred for Sundowns as they beat Al Ahly 1-0 home and away, but Broos has overlooked the 31-year-old.

“You know this is a choice. This is a choice I made,” Broos told SABC Sport. “I know Jali very well because he played in Belgium. And this is a choice I made from the beginning. And I’m still OK for myself with that choice.

“So, I will try other players. Jali is an older player too. So, I think that with the younger players I have now, I am looking for other types of players in the midfield.”

However, Thabang Monare made the cut ahead of Jali despite being 32 years old, while Jali is 31.

Foster Back In The Fold

Lyle Foster has endured a difficult three years since he burst onto the scene and left Orlando Pirates for Monaco. However, his loan spell at KVC Westerlo from Vitória Guimarães has seen him play some decent football. Foster is averaging roughly a goal involvement every two games for the Belgian second-tier club.

Surprisingly, Foster is the only European-based player in the squad, with Broos opting to allow the 21-year-old to prove that he is still worthy of being known as the golden boy of South African football.

Athenkosi Mcaba Given Chance

Stellenbosch FC have been the surprise package of the DSTV Premiership this season and are still in the race for CAF Champions League qualification.

It is only fitting that they are represented in the Bafana Bafana squad, but the call-up of 20-year-old Athenkosi Mcaba was somewhat surprising. That said, it is totally in keeping with Broos’ policy so far.

He has not hesitated to trust his gut when he has found promising young players such as Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Evidence Makgopa and Ethan Brooks, opting to let them learn on the job as far as international duty goes.

Overseas Veterans Overlooked

Bongani Zungu, Thulani Serero, Lebo Mothiba and Lebo Phiri were overlooked, with Broos opting to continue building with a core of predominantly locally-based players rather than use the experience of players who are tried and trusted overseas.

Players who were involved under Ntseki have their work cut out as they look to prove to Broos that they are not emblematic of an era of failure for Bafana. However, Broos has emphasised repeatedly that the door is not shut for anyone looking to work their way back into the team.

Leonard Solms

Leonard Solms is a sports journalist who features regularly on various local and international platforms including ESPN, New Frame, FARPost, Tagged Online and Careers Magazine, as well as this one. He enjoys the occasional bet and the most important tip he can give you is to bet within your means.