Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has explained the reasons behind his decision to grant a national team call-up to Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha in preparation for the AFCON qualifiers.
South Africa will face Uganda on 6 September at Orlando Stadium, followed by an away match against South Sudan four days later.
Broos revealed the final 23-man squad on Thursday, having cut it down from an initial 38-member preliminary list.
Mbatha, who has established himself as a key player for his club, received his first national team call-up following his consistent performances in the black and white colours of Pirates.
Broos highlighted Mbatha’s discipline in his position and his composure on the ball as key factors that impressed him.
The Belgian coach noted that they have been seeking a player of Mbatha’s calibre for some time. He expressed his hope for the player’s gradual integration into the team, emphasising that Mbatha’s development will ultimately determine whether he gets a regular place in the Bafana team.
BROOS ON WHAT IMPRESSED HIM ON THALENTE MBATHA
“This is a type of player on that position we have been looking for already for a long time,” said Broos.
“He is a typical defensive midfielder, he is playing his position, he plays the game from left to right, he’s always there, available.
“He’s not running like a fool in front, what I’ve seen from him tactically, he plays what he has to do.
“So, it’s the right moment to call him to Bafana Bafana and it’s up to him now to show in training and if he should play.
“Maybe he [can] not play all games but come in and prove that he is in the right place.”
Meanwhile, other debutants in the squad are Sipho Chaine [Orlando Pirates], Fawaaz Basadien [Stellenbosch FC] and Rushwin Dortley [Kaizer Chiefs].
Chaine was thrown in as Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is still nursing his injury.
