There were impactful highlights and low points when Hugo Broos named his squad to play back-to-back 2025 Afcon qualifiers against Congo Brazzaville, starting next Friday in Gqeberha.
National team coach Broos was delighted that the PSL agreed to curtail domestic matches ahead of the qualifiers, and equally pleasing was the return of Ronwen Williams.
The absence of Al Ahly talisman Percy Tau and the non-selection of Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa – who has been enjoying red-hot form – were the low points of the squad announcement in Johannesburg on Thursday.
He was one of several players who did not make the cut after being named in the Bafana preliminary squad last month.
Tau has been playing well of late, but Broos said he was unavailable. He had decided against selecting Tau last month to shield him from the wrath of fans unhappy with his contribution to the national team.
“There are personal issues, and I will not comment on that and I have to accept it,” Broos said yesterday.
“The reason why he wasn’t here last month was because of the criticism he got on social media.
“In August, he also didn’t play so much, and that is why he wasn’t with us in September.
“Now, he isn’t in the national team because of personal issues. I have to respect that.”
Williams’ return meant the team would field their No 1 goalkeeper and regular captain.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos names his final squad for the AFCON qualifiers against Congo in Gqeberha on 11 October 2024, and away on 15 October 2024#BafanaPride#Afconqualifers pic.twitter.com/ZBfepGkkhn
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 3, 2024
“I am happy Ronwen is back,” said Broos. “When you have a goalkeeper like him, any coach will be happy. He is our keeper and our captain. It was a fantastic decision to make him captain.
“You can see that his performances for Mamelodi Sundowns are now recognised worldwide. It never happened before that an African-based player, from an African club, is a nomination for the Ballon d’Or.”
The best news, however, for Broos was the decision by the Premier Soccer League to curtail the domestic programme ahead of the two Afcon qualifiers.
“I am happy that the PSL agreed with my request, so there are no local matches except the MTN8 final this weekend,” said Broos.
“It is only the Pirates and Stellenbosch players that will be busy, but we will be able to go into camp on Saturday already.
“Sunday morning, we can fly out to Gqeberha, and then we can already train on Sunday afternoon.
“I’m grateful to the PSL for agreeing to my request. We see how important it is for the national team to produce good results because that will increase the focus on the domestic league.
“In the past, I have had difficulties with the PSL, but they know it is important for South African football to do well.
“We saw how the interest peeked after we did well at Afcon. Sometimes you (PSL) have to do something for the national team.”
Bafana Bafana Squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (SuperSport), Rushwin Dortley (Kaizer Chiefs), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Sundowns), Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch FC), Thabiso Sesane (Pirates), Grant Kekana (Sundowns).
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch FC), Luke le Roux (IFK Varnamo, Sweden), Thalente Mbatha (Pirates)
Forwards: Themba Zwane (Sundowns), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City), Patrick Maswanganyi (Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Sundowns), Elias Mokwana (Esperance de Tunis, Tunisia), Thapelo Morena (Sundowns), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Relebohile Mofokeng (Pirates)