Broos explains what gave Aubaas the edge over Margeman in Bafana squad
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has explained the edge Bathusi Aubaas has over Grant Margeman in the final 23-man squad to face Nigeria and Zimbabwe in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Margeman was initially named in the preliminary squad, but he was ultimately left out of the final squad to play against Nigeria and Zimbabwe on the 7th and 11th of June, respectively.
The SuperSport United holding midfielder was part of the Bafana squad that played the two FIFA series international friendlies against Algeria and Anddora in March.
Margeman has been in great form in the DStv Premiership since joining SuperSport United on a permanent deal from Sundowns ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
He featured in 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing four assists while collecting a handful of Man of the Match awards.
Meanwhile, Aubaas, in his first season at Mamelodi Sundowns after joining from TS Galaxy in July 2023, has been included in Broos’ squad.
WHY BROOS CHOOSE AUBAAS AHEAD OF MARGEMAN
The Bafana Bafana mentor says Aubaas has more power than Margeman which will be key for both qualifying matches.
“Bathusi is a powerful player, and I was a little bit sad when he joined Mamelodi Sundowns because he doesn’t get a chance to play,” Broos said.
“And he had an injury at the beginning [of the season]; I’m happy that he’s getting his chance again. He’s someone you can use against a team like Nigeria. I’m not telling you that I’m gonna use him; I’m just saying he’s a player you can use. It was a choice between him and Margeman.
“Margeman was with us in the last camp and he did it very well, I was really happy with him but he doesn’t have the power. We can count on him, but certainly not for a game against Nigeria. So that was the choice between Bathusi and Margeman. I’m happy that Bathusi is back.”
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