Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced the squad that will face Liberia in the two-legged AFCON qualifier later this month.
Broos trimmed the 35-man provisional squad to 23, who will report for camp on Sunday, 19 March 2023.
Here are six talking points from the final squad announcement.
Kaizer Chiefs have no player in the squad
Brandon Petersen was the only player from Kaizer Chiefs in the provisional squad. However, Broos has opted for Ronwen Williams, Veli Mothwa and Ricardo Goss.
His choice of goalkeepers means the Soweto giants have no player in the squad.
CASSIUS MAILULA IN THE SQUAD
The Mamelodi Sundowns forward has been rewarded for his sensational form. The 21-year-old has scored 14 goals across all competitions this season.
National Under 23 coach David Notoane would have been monitoring the situation.
He has previously mentioned that if Mailula is not in the Bafana squad, he would undoubtedly use him in the AFCON U23 qualifiers. Notoane’s Under 23s face Congo Brazzaville on 23 March in Johannesburg and away four days later.
Sundowns have eight players
Sundowns have eight players in the final squad. The defending DStv Premiership champions initially had 10 players in the preliminary squad.
Broos has dropped injured Sphelele Mkhulise and Khuliso Mudau, opting for Thapelo Morena and Nyiko Mobbie at right back.
The surprise, however, would be Mudau’s exclusion, as he has been in fine form at club level.
Kobamelo Kodisang dropped
Despite his form that has seen him score 10 goals and provide three assists, the Moreirense winger misses out on selection.
The Belgian has opted for Percy Tau, Monnapule Saleng, Zakhele Lepasa, Mihlali Mayambela, Lyle Foster and Bongokuhle Hlongwane.
PERCY TAU BACK
The Al Ahly attacker has weaved his way back into the national team.
Broos would have watched as the 28-year-old gave the Sundowns’ defence a headache over the weekend. Tau was on target when the Egyptian side lost 5-2 to Bafana Ba Style at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Mothobi Mvala’s SeleCTION
The last time Mvala was in the Bafana squad, he was deployed as a chief midfield destroyer. This time he earned his place as a centre-back after Rulani Mokwena switched him.
His fine performances at club level have earned him a place back in the squad.
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