Hugo Broos

South Africa’s midfielder Lebogang Phiri (L) vies with Sudan’s midfielder Elyas Samawal (R) during the Cameroon 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between South Africa and Sudan at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on November 17, 2019. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP) (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images)

Former Wits star hasn’t heard from Hugo Broos over Bafana duty

Turkish-based South African international Lebogang Phiri admits that he hasn’t spoken to Hugo Broos about a Bafana Bafana recall.

Hugo Broos

South Africa’s midfielder Lebogang Phiri (L) vies with Sudan’s midfielder Elyas Samawal (R) during the Cameroon 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between South Africa and Sudan at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on November 17, 2019. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP) (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images)

Turkish-based South African international Lebogang Phiri admits that he hasn’t spoken to Hugo Broos about a Bafana Bafana recall.

Phiri says that he doesn’t know if Broos knows who he is and where he plays but feels that a man in his position should have that information.

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His maiden season with Super Lig team Çayuk Rizespor has been hampered by injury. Phiri notched his first assist of the season in the team’s recent 2-1 home win over Kasimpasa.

Phiri hasn’t heard from Hugo Broos

Phiri says that he would love to play a part in the Bafana Bafana setup again and would be particularly interested in heading to the World Cup with the team should they earn a spot at Qatar 2022.

“I haven’t had a conversation with the coach in charge [Hugo Broos] right now. I don’t know whether he knows me or not. But I feel like as a coach of the national team he should know a pool of the players that he has in the country that have represented the country at one given point in time – either in the junior or senior ranks,” he told the Soccer Laduma from Turkey.

“He [Hugo Broos] should know players in higher rated leagues in the world that could represent the country. And of course, after that the decision is his to make along with his selection panel. I don’t make excuses for anybody, that’s not what I do and I won’t say we’ve had talks. Everything these days is just a click away – for anyone to know Lebo Phiri’s whereabouts you just click on a computer screen, no need to jump on a plane.

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“Of course, I would have loved to get an opportunity. A lot of people, when you talk about the national team, they have their own opinions about who should be there and who shouldn’t. But for the players the national team selection is an honour,” Phiri added.

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“Whether or not I get to play when I am there, it doesn’t really matter. Just being able to be recognised as a national team player is something that is the greatest honour that we carry as individuals. When I go on a social media page and I am referred to as a Bafana player based abroad, that gives me something else rather than anyone just saying Lebogang Phiri. It’s a status that motivates you, gives you the confidence to break down barriers and to help those that come after you.”

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