Broos’ response to Tim Sukazi over Ndamane passport issue
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has responded to TS Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi, who claimed that Khulumani Ndamane would be ready for national duty this week as his passport issue would have been resolved.
The 21-year-old left centre-back was initially selected to replace the injured Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley in the Bafana squad that will play Lesotho and Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this week and next.
However, after it was discovered that he did not possess a passport, Broos instead called up Thabo Moloisane from Stellenbosch FC.
Speaking to SABC Sport, Galaxy boss Sukazi said, “It cannot be an excuse for us as a country to say the player can’t be in the national team because of a passport when the match is to be played some six or eight days after the announcement of the squad.”
“SAFA is a national organisation and belongs to the country. We should not act as though we are in Scandinavia London, or Russia. Why can’t we pause and issue it when it is needed? I must commend the deputy minister [of Home Affairs] Njabulo Nzuza – he was prompt on this matter. This was a matter that could have easily been resolved immediately. The passport will be available; we now leave this in the hands of the national team coach.”
Broos, speaking at a press conference when the team began the camp in Polokwane on Monday, stated that players should ensure their travel documents are in order as soon as they learn about their inclusion in the preliminary squad.
He further explained that it would not be ideal for Ndamane to join the national team while still uncertain about the readiness of his travel documents.
BROSS ON NDAMANE – ‘THAT WAS NOT THE CASE WITH HIM’
“First of all, I know that the president or the chairman of TS Galaxy wants more TS Galaxy players in the team but they [players] have to be available [for selection],” said Broos.
“So, you see when you call someone, and they don’t have a passport… Secondly, I think when players are on the preliminary list, the first thing you have to look at is having a passport.
“That’s because there can be an opportunity for them [players in the preliminary squad] to be with the national team. You need to do everything, nearly everything, when you are called up, even when you are on the preliminary list.
“So, in that case of Ndamane, he knew 14 days ago that maybe there was a possibility that he would be with the national team.
“So, you don’t have to look at whether you have a passport or not only after you have been called up [for final squad]. Just try to have one and be ready. It’s a pity for him, hey. He had an opportunity to be with the national team, but just because he doesn’t have a passport, [he won’t].
“If only your things [passport and Visa] will be in order at the end of the week, I don’t think it’s the right moment to call you.
“When you are here [with the national team], you have to be ready with everything. And that was not the case with Ndamane.”
RELATED STORY: Broos slams Pirates over Maswanganyi