Sekhukhune United midfielder Thabang Monare has opened up on his continuous exclusion from the Bafana Bafana squad.
The former Orlando Pirates man has been excluded from the national team since May 2024 when Hugo Broos announced his preliminary Bafana squad for the two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers Nigeria and Zimbabwe in June 2024.
The midfielder is yet again not included in the recent Bafana preliminary squad set to face Congo Brazzaville in their back-to-back games for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers next month.
Monare was part of the Bafana squad during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers where they went on to finish third, winning the bronze medal.
THABANG MONARE ON BAFANA BAFANA SNUB
Despite being left out of the Bafana squad, the 35-year-old remains positive, acknowledging the fierce competition in midfield.
He further defended the national team’s coaches, citing that they know very well what they are doing, hence he is not worried about his snub.
“Well, South Africa is a country that is blessed with many good midfielders. At this point, we are also fortunate to have a skilled technical team within Bafana Bafana,” Monare told FARPost.
“Believe me, they know what they are doing, and they have a goal; they have a drive. So, in my time with Bafana Bafana, I don’t really feel any negative way about it [his exclusion], because I know what they are doing.
“I know what the technical team is capable of, and the players who are there deserve to be there and will bring good results for the country.”
Broos’ charges will battle out with Congo on Friday, 11 October at home, with the away leg set to take place on Tuesday, 15 October 2024.
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