Bafana Bafana’s head coach Hugo Broos recently unveiled the final list of players who will represent South Africa in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Morocco this month. The 23-member squad, which was reduced from 34, surprisingly did not include a single Chiefs player. Broos explains that there simply wasn’t enough room to accommodate them.
Limited Spots in the Squad
When asked about the exclusion of players from one of South Africa’s most popular football clubs, Broos responded, “You know there are only 23 players to choose, hey. So if you are going to choose players because they are playing in the ‘biggest team of the country’, then I have to choose 30 players. That is not possible.”
Final Squad Members
The final squad, devoid of Chiefs players, consists of the following individuals:
Goalkeepers:
- Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu)
- Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United)
Defenders:
- Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United)
- Siyanda Xulu (Turan Tovuz)
- Innocent Maela and Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)
- Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, and Mothobi Mvala (All Mamelodi Sundowns)
Midfielders:
- Luke Le Roux (Varbergs BoIS)
- Njabulo Blom (Saint Louis)
- Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Bathusi Aubaas (TS Galaxy)
Forwards:
- Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates)
- Themba Zwane and Cassius Mailula (Both Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol)
- Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United FC)
- Percy Tau (Al Ahly SC)
- Zakhele Lepasa and Thapelo Maseko (SuperSport United)
South Africa’s Unbeaten Run
South Africa will face the Atlas Lions on Saturday, 17 June 2023, at the FNB Stadium, with the match commencing at 17:00. Bafana Bafana’s unbeaten run began last year in September, when Broos’ team triumphed against Sierra Leone and Botswana in friendly matches held at FNB Stadium. Since then, they have maintained their unbeaten streak.
The Upcoming Challenge
The upcoming match against Morocco will be a significant challenge for the South African team, as the Atlas Lions are a formidable opponent. Known for their strong performance in international football, Morocco’s team consists of several high-profile players who have made their mark in European leagues.
Football is a Team Sport
Although the absence of Chiefs players in the Bafana Bafana squad may raise eyebrows, it is crucial to remember that football is a team sport and that the coach’s strategic decisions are based on presenting the most balanced and competitive team possible. Furthermore, given the limited spots available in the squad, it is understandable that some players may not make the cut based on the coach’s game plan and overall vision for the team.
A Thrilling Encounter
The upcoming match between South Africa and Morocco is likely to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams striving for glory in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. As Bafana Bafana looks to continue its unbeaten run, fans eagerly await the match and the opportunity to witness the squad’s performance on the international stage.
