Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson has offered words of encouragement to Gift Links following Hugo Broos’ declaration that the winger is “not good enough” for Bafana Bafana.
Broos shared his thoughts on Links a few weeks ago after bringing together a 23-man squad that played an international friendly against Zambia this past weekend at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Bafana secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Zambia with goals from Oswin Appollis, Sphephelo Sithole, and Mohau Nkota. The friendly against Zambia is the only competitive match for South Africa before they participate in the 2025 AFCON in Morocco next month.
In the past few months, the Belgian coach has been questioned by supporters and the media for his selection choices in the squad. Broos constantly snubbed players such as Thembinkosi Lorch and Gift Links, who have been impressive for their respective clubs.
In the 2025/26 season, the left-footed star, Links, has featured in 17 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing four assists for Aarhus GF in Denmark.
WHAT JOHNSON SAID ABOUT LINKS’ EXCLUSION FROM BAFANA
After Broos said Links is not good enough to represent Bafana Bafana, his former coach at Platinum Stars, Johnson, has told the utility player to keep on working hard until he gets his chance to play for the national team. The 27-year-old last played for Bafana in August 2021 in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
“I had a personal connection with Links since he was 10 years old, he’s got a strong mentality and he knows that as a footballer, bad things will be said about you,” Johnson told FARPost.
“What I can tell him is that, ‘keep your feet on the ground, my boy, try and analyse what has been said about you. Don’t make it a negative; make it a positive.
“Always do your best at your club, then you will get the recognition you deserve. Anyone can say you are not good enough, just keep doing your best, understand your capabilities, and your position at the club. It will all come together, and age is still on his side to make it to the national team’.”
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