Broos explains decision to exclude in-form Hlongwane from Bafana squad
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has explained why he excluded in-form Bongokuhle Hlongwane from the squad that will play AFCON qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan.
South Africa are on the brink of securing the spot in the continental showpiece, which will be staged in Morocco in 2025, needing at least a win in their upcoming two matches.
They take on Uganda’s Cranes on Friday, 15 November, at 3PM at Mandela National Stadium before they host the Bright Stars of South Sudan on Tuesday, 19 November, at Cape Town Stadium, also at 3PM.
During the press conference held on Monday at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, Broos was asked about the omission of Minnesota United attacker Hlongwane, who has been on song in the MLS this season.
Hlongwane, who was part of the preliminary squad, has netted 11 goals and registered four assists in 36 appearances he’s made across all competitions.
Broos acknowledged Hlongwane’s recent strong form, which led to his inclusion in the initial squad. However, the Belgian coach admitted the difficulty of trimming down the squad, leaving players he felt “deserved” a place.
HUGO BROOS ACKNOWLEDGES HLONGWANE FORM IN MLS
“I think Bongokuhle Hlongwane did well in America in the last months; he played well. But when you’re going through players that are not there, I can also say a few other names,” said Broos.
“So those are choices you have to make, and I know there was a time two years ago when the choices were much easier to make because we didn’t have so many players who were able to play in Bafana Bafana.
“I don’t want to speak about players who are not there because the choice is made, but I can understand, and from your side, you are always coming back asking, ‘Why not this one, why not this one?
“Again these are choices I have to make and I made them, it doesn’t mean that this player is not good enough or whatever.
“It’s a fact of choice; when you see in the preliminary, we had 30 players. So, I have to drop 15 players, and maybe from all of those 28, they all deserved to be in the Bafana Bafana, but that’s not possible.”
RELATED STORY: Sage Stephens describes emotional week after Bafana dream realised