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 international break in May before the 2026 FIFA World Cup commences in June in North America.
Mabokgwane has played down concerns over Chaine’s absence, maintaining that the decision is purely strategic as the national team fine-tunes its preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
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“I definitely feel that he [Chaine] 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 [in the Betway Premiership title race]. This 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 at Pirates. 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 Pirates. I believe he will definitely be in [the Bafana squad], 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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