Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane says there is nothing to worry about regarding the omission of Sipho Chaine in the current national team squad.
The Orlando Pirates number one keeper was among the surprise exclusions by Hugo Broos for the two friendly matches against Panama in Durban and Cape Town.
Sekhukhune United keeper Renaldo Leaner has been preferred together with Ricardo Goss of Siwelele FC and team captain Ronwen Williams.
The friendly matches against Panama will be followed by the last FIFA break in May before the 2026 FIFA World Cup commences in June.
But Mabokgwane says there is nothing untoward about Chaine’s absence from the squad, besides the World Cup coming soon.
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“I definitely feel that he should not be worried,” Mabokgwane told FARPost.
“There is a big assignment ahead of him in terms of making sure that they go over the line with Orlando Pirates. Which is the immediate task that he needs to focus on.
“If you worry about being left out of Bafana Bafana, then you will be worried for a long time until the next camp. Then it means you are in trouble. So I believe he should not be worried at all, he should focus on doing the good job that he has done for the club so far,” he added.
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“His performances have spoken for themselves, the clean sheets and everything. So he has done well. People are quick to forget, but some of us who have been in the game know and have seen the performances.
“It’s not only this season, but he has consistently shown why he has been in the Bafana Bafana squad. So I want him to focus on club level. Ge will definitely be in, and he will go to the World Cup.”
“Otherwise, his performances have spoken for themselves, and I believe if Sipho Chaine is ready to step in for Ronwen Williams or Richard Goss if he is required to.”
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