Mduduzi Shabalala Kaizer Chiefs Bafana Bafana

Mduduzi Shabalala becomes third youngest to score for Chiefs – Photo: Facebook – Kaizer Chiefs

Bafana Bafana: FIVE players who should have been picked

As ever, Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos’ selections have raised a few eyebrows. Did more Kaizer Chiefs players merit a selection?

Mduduzi Shabalala Kaizer Chiefs Bafana Bafana

Mduduzi Shabalala becomes third youngest to score for Chiefs – Photo: Facebook – Kaizer Chiefs

Hugo Broos has picked his Bafana Bafana preliminary squad to take on Liberia later this month. Only one Kaizer Chiefs player was selected, while there are Pirates and Sundowns players aplenty.

Are there a few players who could justifiably feel a bit aggrieved to have missed out?

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Five players unlucky not to get a Bafana Bafana call-up

Bradley Grobler

Grobler recently struck his 100th goal in the PSL era across all competitions, becoming just the sixth player in history to achieve that feat. Yes, he’s as a top-flight player in South Africa. Yes, he’s 35 years old, but he knows where the back of the net is and that’s a valuable skill.


Thembinkosi Lorch

Lorch memorably scored for Bafana against Egypt to send South African to the AFCON 2019 quarterfinals, so he knows what it feels like to score big goals in big games. He’s also started to find his Pirates form again, and the squad could have used his unpredictability.

Bafana Bafana Hugo broos
Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Image: @iDiskiTimes / Twitter

Lebo Mothiba

Mothiba hasn’t had a great season for Strasbourg so far, but his goal-scoring pedigree and ability isn’t in question. It’s strange that Broos continues to overlook the 27-year-old.

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Mduduzi Shabalala

In an otherwise forgettable season for Kaizer Chiefs, Mdu Shabalala has been a rare positive for Amakhosi. His talent is undeniable, and the sooner he’s included on international level, the better.


Thibang Phete

Now with Al Bataeh, Phete is a commanding presence in the centre of the park. His ability to play in both midfield and defence has come in handy at club level, and Bafana should be utilizing a player with his physical profile. Oh well.

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Bafana Bafana provisional squad vs Liberia

In case you missed it, here’s the provisional group selected by Hugo Broos. It includes 10 Mamelodi Sundowns stars, four from Orlando Pirates and just ONE Kaizer Chiefs player.

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Brandon Petersen, Ricardo Goss, Veli Mothwa

Defenders: Sydney Mobbie, Siyanda Msani, Innocent Maela, Khuliso Mudau, Taariq Fielies, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Thapelo Morena, Mothobi Mvala, Thapelo Maseko, Siyanda Xulu

Midfielders: Miguel Timm, Luke Le Roux, Njabulo Blom, Sphephelo Sithole, Sphelele Mkhulise, Grant Magerman, Teboho Mokoena

Forwards: Monnapule Saleng, Khanyisa Mayo, Themba Zwane, Cassius Mailula, Zakhele Lepasa, Fagrie Lakay, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Percy Tau, Lyle Foster, Kobamelo Kodisang

Orlando Pirates Bafana Bafana Saleng
Bucs and Bafana man Monnapule Saleng. Photo: @orlandopirates / twitter

What do you think, Bafana fans?

For more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game, hit up James Freemantle.

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