World Cup Qualifiers: No Khune or Zungu in Bafana squad

Hugo Broos has named his squad for the upcoming 2022 World Cup qualifiers with two names noticeably absent in Itumeleng Khune and Bongani Zungu.

No recall for Khune

Khune may have assurances from Kaizer Chiefs boss Stuart Baxter regarding his status at the club but national team coach Hugo Broos appears unconvinced by the veteran’s recent form.

Khune’s Kaizer Chiefs teammate Bruce Bvuma has earned a call based on the strength of his performances in the Caf Champions League, albeit that the stopper is yet to feature for Kaizer Chiefs this season, missing out on the Carling Black Label Cup and MTN 8 sides.

Bafana’s incumbent number one Ronwen Williams is likely to start in goal but the squad also features Durban-based PSL form players in Veli Mothwa and Sifiso Mlungwana of Amazulu and Golden Arrows respectively.

Zungu absent again

Bongani Zungu missed out on the squads for Bafana Bafana’s last competitive engagements due to COVID-19 protocols, which allowed Rangers to block him from travelling.

Fifa has now lifted the ruling that allowed clubs to block players from international duty, but Zungu finds himself on the outside at his French club Amiens.

Zungu has been linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs but Amiens warned the player that he is contracted until the end of the current season and must turn up for training.

With the midfielder yet to feature for Ligue 1 strugglers Amiens, it is clear that Broos has concerns over his form and fitness.

Zungu has reserved some of his best football for the colours of Bafana Bafana, but until he finds a club where he can play regularly his international career will stall.

There is also no space in the squad for free agent Dean Furman, who left English League Two side Carlisle United at the end of last season.

Bafana Bafana WCQ squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United FC), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu FC), Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs FC), Sifiso Mlungwana (Golden Arrows FC)

Defenders: Defenders: Sydney Mobbie, Rushine De Reuck, Thapelo Morena (both Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Siyanda Xulu (Haopel Tel Aviv FC, Israel), Thibang Phete (Os Belenenses, Portugal), Thabani Dube, Njabulo Ngcobo (both Kaizer Chiefs FC), Mosa Lebusa (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Sibusiso Mabiliso (Kaizer Chiefs FC), Innocent Maela (Orlando Pirates FC)

Midfielders: Kobamelo Kodisang (FC Braga B, Portugal), Sipho Mbule, Teboho Mokoena (both SuperSport United FC) Mothobi Mvala, Sphelele Mkhulise (both Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Sphephelo Sithole (Os Belenenses FC, Portugal), Njabulo Blom (Kaizer Chiefs FC), Ethan Brooks (TS Galaxy), Yusuf Maart (Sekhukhune United FC), Siyethemba Sithebe (AmaZulu FC)

Forwards: Thabiso Kutumela (Mamelodi Sundowns FC, Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Maritzburg United FC), Gift Links (Aarhus GF, Denmark), Evidence Makgopa (Baroka FC), Victor Letsoala, (Bloemfontein Celtic FC) Percy Tau (Brighton and Hove Albion FC), Luther Singh (FC Copenhagen, Denmark)