Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has reacted to Hugo Broos’ decision to exclude him from the Bafana Bafana squad set to go into battle with Lesotho and Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Despite being named in the initial 37-man preliminary squad, the Botshabelo-born forward was ultimately omitted from Hugo Broos’ final 23-man Bafana Bafana squad, which was announced at the SABC Studios in Auckland Park on Thursday.
Broos’ troops will host neighbours Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday, March 21 at 18:00. Subsequently, they will travel to Côte d’Ivoire to play Benin on Tuesday – March 25, with Benin failing to play the match in their own backyard due to their home stadium’s unsuitability for international fixtures.
Prior to the two FIFA World Cup qualifiers this month, Bafana will convene for training camp in Johannesburg on March 17, 2025, before proceeding to Polokwane. Following the Lesotho match, they will depart for Abidjan via charter flight on March 22 and are scheduled to return to South Africa on March 26, 2025.
MABASA ON BAFANA OMISSION “I WILL KEEP ON KNOCKING ON THE DOOR’
Mabasa learned of his exclusion from the Bafana Bafana squad during an interview with journalists after training at the Rand Stadium. He spoke following Pirates’ press conference ahead of their Betway Premiership clash with Mamelodi Sundowns, on Sunday at FNB Stadium.
The 28-year-old striker has had a decent season in Pirates colours, scoring 13 goals and providing one assist across 34 appearances in all competitions.
His notable achievements include scoring in the MTN8 final victory over Stellenbosch FC and a hat-trick against Baroka in the Nedbank Cup, which propelled him to second place on Pirates’ all-time scoring list, surpassing legends like Phumlani Mkhize and Lesley Manyathela.
With 44 PSL goals, the 2023/24 season PSL Golden Boot winner is also approaching Benedict Vilakazi’s Pirates record of 58 goals in the PSL era.
However, Bafana coach Broos opted to go for Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, and Percy Tau as his preferred strikers.
“I am just going to keep on knocking on the door; that’s it,” said Mabasa. “I’ve got nothing else to say about that [being omitted from Bafana, the squad]. It is his [Broos’] decision at the end of the day; all I can do is continue to push as a player.”
Mabasa added: “Nothing makes me as happy as playing football and being out on the pitch. So, I am just grateful for the fact that I can continue to do that. Whatever opportunities come my way, I am grateful for them.
“Look, I’m one person that was brought up [well]. My parents always made me believe in hard work and strive for what I want, and that’s exactly what I will continue to do for the rest of my life.”
RELATED STORY: Broos announces Bafana final squad for World Cup qualifiers
