Bafana Bafana Preliminary Squad: Talking Points

Hugo Broos sent out a clear message with his Bafana Bafana squad announcement that under his stewardship, the men’s national team is truly in a new era for better or worse.

Nevertheless, his squad has still generated some controversy — with some pushback perhaps justified, although it is rare for everyone to be completely happy with a Bafana Bafana squad in any case.

This is our breakdown of the preliminary squad for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Ghana.

Is Tyson’s Time Up?

Thulani Hlatshwayo was the national team captain recently, but it feels as if he could hardly be further from Hugo Broos’ plans.

By snubbing him, Broos continues to send a clear message that even big-name players cannot expect to walk into his squad if they are not actively proving themselves.

Itumeleng Khune is another fan favourite who has missed the cut, while Themba Zwane has also been overlooked. While recent years have seen the likes of Dean Furman and Bongani Zungu play crucial roles for Bafana Bafana, neither are in the squad at present, but it is likely that Zungu will be back in the fold soon.

Broos Builds for Brighter Days

Broos has been bold in his prioritisation of young, talented players who could have bright futures in Bafana Bafana colours.

The likes of Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Evidence Makgopa are examples of this. These are players who are not yet the finished article, but they appear to be growing from strength to strength as a result of being trusted at club and national team level.

Bafana Bafana’s Uncapped – The Unlucky and Ignored

South Africa’s problems cannot be solved overnight, but if Broos’ long-term vision is adhered to, perhaps they can within the space of a few years with today’s young players leading the way.

No Room for Cele

After Thabo Cele’s top performances at the Olympics, it is somewhat surprising to see him omitted from this squad. However, with the midfielder having been linked with several clubs, it is possible that he could simply be sorting out his future before returning to the national team fold, as has been widely speculated on social media.

Aged 24, he is one of several young players who Broos could build a team around in years to come.

Time for Tau and Singh to Shine

With Luther Singh having recently sealed his move to Copenhagen, he will be hoping for proper time on the pitch to prove his worth.

Singh has not been afforded much of that for Bafana Bafana despite being one of the country’s greatest talents, but with the baggage of his strained relationship with Stuart Baxter now long in the past, he will be eager to impress his new national team coach.

Analysis: Luther Singh Shining in Portugal

Percy Tau is, perhaps, the exception to many of the unofficial rules which Hugo Broos has set with his team selection. He has not been playing for Brighton and he faces an uncertain long-term future at club level. However, he has justified his repeated selections by being Bafana’s most important player over the last few years.

Having been frozen out at Brighton & Hove Albion, this is the perfect time for Tau to launch the latest chapter in his career.

Goalkeeping Spots up for Grabs

Itumeleng Khune was largely unchallenged as the number one goalkeeper for Bafana for the best part of a decade. This would not have been the case but for the tragic passing of Senzo Meyiwa, but nevertheless, Khune would have been one of the first names on the teamsheet for some time.

That changed when he got injured before AFCON 2019, with Ronwen Williams taking a starting spot and Darren Keet running him close, occasionally standing in between the sticks himself.

Fast-forward two years and Williams is contending with Veli Mothwa, Bruce Bvuma and Sifiso Mlungwana. The new era of South African goalkeepers is truly upon us, and there are bound to be more twists and turns ahead.

Bafana’s 23-man Squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs)

Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (Mamelodi Sundowns), Rushine De Reuck (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyanda Xulu (Haopel Tel Aviv, Israel), Thibang Phete (Belenenses, Portugal), Thabani Dube (Kaizer Chiefs), Sibusiso Mabiliso (Kaizer Chiefs)

Midfielders: Sipho Mbule (Supersport United), Teboho Mokoena (Supersport United), Mothobi Mvala (Mamelodi Sundowns), Njabulo Blom (Kaizer Chiefs) Ethan Brooks (TS Galaxy) Yusuf Maart (Sekhukhune United)

Forwards: Thabiso Kutumela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Maritzburg United), Gift Links (Aarhus, Denmark), Evidence Makgopa (Baroka FC), Victor Letsoalo (Royal AM), Luther Singh (FC Copenhagen, Denmark) & Percy Tau (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)