Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has provided reasons why Orlando Pirates striker and the DStv Premiership golden boot winner Tshegofatso Mabasa did not get a call up to his squad.
Broos was speaking to the media at the SABC Studios in Aukland Park on Thursday announcing his 23-man final squad that will take on Nigeria and Zimbabwe in two important 2026 World Cup Qualifier matches on June 7 and 11, respectively.
Despite Mabasa having a good season with Pirates since returning from loan at Moroka Swallows, Broos overlooked the 27-year-old and picked Stellenbosch FC talisman Iqraam Rayners. The latter is one goal behind Mabasa with 15 goals.
First experience was not good
Burnley striker Lyle Foster also returned to Broos’ setup after his long fight with mental health issues recently.
Explaining his reason behind the omission of Mabasa from his squad, Broos did not mince his words. He said that his first experience with the Pirates striker was not a good one.
“We had a bad experience with Mabasa two years ago. The last time he was with us it was a disaster,” Broos said.
“I had to change him after 35 minutes and everybody said it was a scandal. Mabasa didn’t reach the level he had to reach for the national team.
“He’s not the same player anymore. But you see what happened between January and the last game he played for Bafana two years ago. That was not good.”
In comparison between Mabasa and Rayners, Broos said that his confidence leans more towards the Stellies man. There was not much of a difference in their season statistics.
Coach has confidence in Iqraam
“Iqraam scored also 15 goals. It’s one goal difference, so I give the confidence to Iqraam right now.
“It was a decision – him or Mabasa. But Iqraam did very well in the game against Algeria and I gave him the confidence now.
“We will follow Mabasa next season. Let’s hope he continues what he did – scoring goals in the last four months. Then we will have another striker,” Broos added.
Early this week, Mabasa responded to the question on how he feels about being left out of the Bafana squad after the season he had. He said that he is not entirely disappointed at the national team snub.
“In all honesty [I am] not really [disappointed by the Bafana omission],” Mabasa said.
“Yes, every player wants to play for the national team. But I believe if it’s meant to happen, it will happen at some point.”
