“I KNOW how difficult it is to choose this squad, I can imagine the disappointment that will be there for those players who are left out, but there is nothing I can do. I have to do this job.”
This is what the Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, said last night at Union Buildings, Pretoria, announcing the final squad of 26 players who will represent South Africa in the World Cup that will be played in three countries, Mexico, Canada and the United States of America (USA) from June 11 to July 19.
Apart from the remaining six players, including goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, Thabiso Monyane, Lebogang Maboe, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Thapelo Morena, Broos did not make any changes to the squad as he reduced the squad from 32 to 26 players.
Today at 10 am Broos and several players will speak to the media at the Southern Sun Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg.
This press conference will also focus on the friendly match between Bafana and Nicaragua tomorrow at 6 pm at the Orlando Amstel Arena, Soweto, which is the last friendly match for this team before heading to North America for the World Cup.
Bafana, who are ranked in Group A with South Korea, Mexico, and the Czech Republic, will open against the hosts Mexico on July 11.
The final Bafana Bafana World Cup squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
They are not behind
Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Bradley Cross (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), 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), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sun Moredowns), (AEL Limassol).