ALTHOUGH the Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has included players he doesn’t usually call up in the national team, no major changes are expected in the squad that will play in the World Cup next month.
Broos has announced a squad of 32 players from which he will select 23 or 26 to represent South Africa in the World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the United States of America (USA) from June 11 to July 19. Bafana is ranked in Group A with Mexico, South Korea and Czechia. It will open against Mexico on June 11, which is a repeat of the opening game of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Broos will announce the squad of 23 players on Wednesday at an event attended by the President of the country, Cyril Ramaphosa, at Union Buildings, Pretoria.
In the squad called by Broos, there are players who have been calling them for a while but he has dropped them, as well as newcomers including Lebohang Maboe of Kaizer Chiefs. Among the regulars called to the camp are Olwethu Makhanya who plays for the Philadelphia Union of the USA, Bradley Cross and Thabiso Monyane of the Chiefs.
Although they are happy for those who got a chance, there are those who were left out who were expected to get a place, including Sipho Mbule who is the favorite of Orlando Pirates fans. Mbule was present in the Bafana squad that played in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in December. Broos replaced Themba Zwane who was returning from injury. However, this time he did not get a place, instead Zwane was brought back who looks like he will play the last World Cup as he is 36 years old.
Mbule’s absence was felt even by the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. He wrote on social media criticizing those who are laughing at this player who eats styles on the field.
“The king has given us a lot. This is your moment to cook the second half of your rise. Your golden years in football are coming. Let the fools laugh at you. You have given us a lot Champ,” wrote McKenzie.
Bafana Bafana squad
Goalkeepers
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs)
They are not behind
Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabiso Monyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire).
They are not in the stomach
Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City), Lebohang Maboe (Kaizer Chiefs), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela)
The main ones
Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley) Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol).