Paul Mitchell, the agent of Gift Links, has angrily reacted to the Aarhus GF utility star’s continued snub from Bafana Bafana selection, as coach Hugo Broos has picked his final 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Broos concluded the team he will go with to the quadrennial global football tournament to be co-hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico. Bafana are in Group A and open their campaign against Mexico, before facing the Czech Republic and then South Korea.
They are chasing history by going beyond the group stage for the first time in four World Cup appearances. Bafana intensify their World Cup preparations on Friday when they host Nicaragua at Orlando Amstel Arena before taking on Jamaica at a date to be announced.
On Wednesday, Broos announced the 26 men entrusted to do duty for South Africa. Kaizer Chiefs left-back Bradley Cross and Orlando Pirates versatile star Kamogelo Sebelebele were arguably the biggest surprise selections.
Familiar faces appear in the squad, as the Belgian coach has maintained the core of his team, which is now used to playing together, with solid combinations having been created.
‘THAT’S EMBARASSING’: BROOS SLAMMED FOR SNUBBING GIFT LINKS FROM BAFANA SQUAD
However, Broos continues to overlook Links, who has just completed a successful season with AGF in the Danish Superliga. The Whites were crowned the 2025/26 Superliga champions, and it was their first league title in 40 years.
To cap a commendable season, Links, who can play as a left winger or left-back, was included in the Superliga Team of the Season following five-star performances. He was also nominated for the Footballer of the Season award. But even after raising his hand for national team consideration, the 27-year-old still found himself being frozen out by Broos.
“He is one of the few South Africans playing at the top in Europe. He is also the most-rated South African player in Europe. It’s a joke [leaving him out],” Mitchell told FARPost.
“But it is what it is. Right now, Gift is already in Cape Town, enjoying himself and a well-deserved rest. He wants to play for his country, and I think he deserves to be there.
“It’s embarrassing that we have a national team coach who has never travelled overseas to watch a single game of players doing well.
“I have talked about this before, Links not being called up, and I don’t want to be that agent again who complains. How do certain players get selected ahead of Gift? That’s embarrassing.”
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