The reason behind Lebogang Phiri’s exclusion from Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has shed light on the reason behind Lebogang Phiri’s exclusion from the national team.

Broos said that the omission of Phiri is mainly because of his lack of game time in Ligue 2, France.

The Belgian also mentioned that it can be hard for fans to accept that some players are just not good enough to be part of the national team.

“We know where they are (South African players who are based overseas), and we know players who don’t have the quality. And sometimes it is difficult to accept here in the country,” said Broos.

“Like last year, Phiri, Phiri, Phiri, everyone was talking about Phiri. Phiri is now in the second division in France. Paris FC, and he doesn’t play.

“So I think the decision made that he is not a player for Bafana Bafana is right.”

PHIRI NOT A PLAYER FOR BAFANA, SAYS BROOS

Phiri made his Bafana Bafana debut in 2015 against Swaziland. Since then, the 28-year-old has only featured on eight occasions for the national team, with two goals under his belt on the international stage.

His last game was against Sudan in the 2021 AFCON qualifiers, where he scored his second international goal.

Currently, Phiri plays for Paris FC in Ligue 2. He joined the French side on loan from Caykur Rizespor in Turkey.

Even though the South African midfielder did not have a great start to the season, after picking up an injury in his first game after just 14 minutes. He has managed to bounce back and has played in five games since then.

Phiri has only missed seven games due to a calf muscle strain he sustained at the beginning of the season. He was also an unused substitute on two occasions.

Phiri’s side are currently 12th in Ligue 2 after 15 games. They have managed to only collect 20 points from a possible 45 points.

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