Orlando Pirates star reveals why he snubbed Bafana Bafana

Orlando Pirates midfielder Goodman Mosele has opened up on his controversial decision to refuse a national team call-up.

In October last year Mosele did not report for national team duty against Ethiopia but says that he now says he has smoothed things over with Hugo Broos.

Orlando Pirates star explains Bafana snub

Mosele revealed that personal issues were behind his decision and says he deeply regrets how things played out.

“That’s a stage that I had to go through as a footballer in order for me to grow,” Mosele explained.

“I went to the coach [Hugo Broos] to apologise and I also apologised to my club. The club and the national team all sat down and talked about it.

“It was just a phase that I was going through, but I learned the hard way.

“I’m not proud of how things happened. I have had my personal problems and people talk. You can’t stop them from talking.

“But I was going through something personal and I’m still sorry about how everything happened.”

The Sowetan

Backing Broos

Mosele credits Broos with helping him improve as a player.

“Broos trusts us. He sees my play. He is a very good coach to work under because he trusts his players and doesn’t pay attention to age or things like that,” he said.

“He encourages us to perform, he’s a top coach and I’m not just saying this because he picks me. He’s a top coach, who would have thought I would play for Bafana at the age of 22?

“There are other young players like [Evidence] Makgopa and [Athenkosi] Mcaba. He really trusts us.”

Orlando Pirates suffered a disappointing end to their season last term but Mosele was happy with his exertions.

“It was difficult and I didn’t believe I would play those games. Many people didn’t believe in me, even at home, but players who played before me kept encouraging me to be myself without pressure.

“So, I told myself that I would work hard. I’m happy with my season.”