Former Pirates striker question Mabasa’s exclusion from Bafana squad

Former Orlando Pirates striker Andries Sebola has questioned the exclusion of Tshegofatso Mabasa from the Bafana Bafana squad.

Bafana head coach Hugo Broos named his preliminary squad that will face Nigeria and Zimbabwe next month in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

In the preliminary squad, Broos included new names like Relebohile Mofokeng, Devin Titus, Tshepang Moremi and Thabo Moloisane.

However, Mabasa, who has been in impressive scoring form for Pirates, was a surprise exclusion from the squad. The 27-year-old forward is currently the DStv Premiership top goal scorer with 15 goals in 24 matches.

Surprisingly, Mabasa’s teammate Evidence Makgopa, who just came back from an injury setback, has been included in the squad. Makgopa has been called up alongside Igraam Rayners, Percy Tay, and Lyle Foster to form the striking force for Bafana.

ANDRIES SEBOLA EXPRESS DISAPPOINTMENT IN MABASA’S EXCLUSION FROM BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD

Pirates legend Sebola says it is disappointing that the in-form Mabasa was excluded from the SA men’s senior national team.

“I think it’s disappointing for the top goal scorer in the league to be out of the Bafana Bafana team,” Sebola told FARPost.

“Even if this is the preliminary squad, he’s suppose to be there because players like Evidence Makgopa and Innocent Maela are there. But they haven’t been playing. I’m quite sure that the coach is taking the team that went to the Africa Cup of Nations. So maybe he wants to build around those players.

“Although I’m disappointed that Mabasa is not there, I can say that he must not give up. And the time will come for him to be there.”

Bafana Bafana will face the Super Eagles on June 7, 2024, at Uyo, followed by a home game against Zimbabwe on June 11, 2024, at Free State Stadium.

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