Four overseas-based players who deserve a Bafana Bafana call-up
Hugo Broos named his Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers and, once again, omitted several overseas-based players.
Digital scout and overseas player monitor Prince Sobayeni runs the rule over four overseas talents that deserve a Bafana call-up.
OMITTED OVERSEAS PLAYERS
Thabo Cele
Cele is yet to play for the senior men’s team. However, he featured at junior national team level. The midfielder plays in Poland for a top flight side, Radomiak Radom.
Sobayeni believes the former youth international is ripe for a Bafana selection in that central midfield position.
“He is playing a pivotal role at his club and has been a regular. He also had an injury setback at the back end of last season, but he is playing now.
“In my opinion, I would say that Thabo is our best midfielder in his position,” said Sobayeni.
Philippe Sandler
Sandler was born to a South African father in the Netherlands and has always wanted to play for Bafana.
The 26-year-old plays as a centre-back and has been in the books of Manchester City and Ajax Amsterdam youth structures and currently plays for NEC Nijmegen.
He has featured 13 times for them, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
Tom Barkhuizen
Barkhuizen was born in England to SA parents and plays as a winger for Derby in League One, England.
There have been previous attempts to bring him over to play for Bafana. The 29-year-old has shown keen interest in representing SA to him.
Barkhuizen spent most of his career in the English Championship, and Sobayeni believes his experience could help Bafana.
He has played 31 matches this season and made eight goal contributions. That includes four goals and four assists.
Keanin Ayer
Ayer left SA at 11 to join one of the most prominent academies in Africa, Right To Dream, in Ghana.
The 22-year-old plays as a midfielder in Norway for top-tier side Sandefjord. In the 18 matches he has played, he has scored thrice and provided one assist.
KOBAMELO KODISANG FINALLY GETS HIS CHANCE
The omitted players will look to Kobamelo Kodisang for inspiration after the Moreirense winger was ignored repeatedly. Kodisang is on loan at the first-division club in Portugal from SC Braga.
The 23-year-old has featured in different junior levels in the national team, except for the first team. He was also part of the 2015 FIFA Under 17 World Cup and the 2020 Olympics for the Under 23s.
Due to his form this season in Portugal, Sobayeni believes his inclusion is well deserved.
“His performance this season justifies why it is time to get his chance at Bafana Bafana to prove his worth.
“This season alone, I could say he is one of the best players in his team. Maybe the top three of the best players in a team leading the division,” said Sobayeni.
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