Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says there will always be criticism of his squad, irrespective of the team he selects.
Broos sparked the usual discussions when he announced the squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) leaving out the likes of Njabulo Blom, Khanyisa Mayo, Sage Stephens and Bongokuhle Hlongwane
Broos explained his reasons for overlooking Blom and Hlongwane as because they would have been inactive from club football for almost three months by the time AFCON kicks off.
When asked by Diski Voice to explain his selection process and clarify some of his choices , Broos was defensive indicating that he does not need to clarify anything.
“I have to choose the best player in the position, I don’t have to clarify any because it’s just my choice,” Broos told Diski Voice.
“You know when you have to make choices, you have to make a list and there is always a discussion on whom I choose and you never have the perfect list, ever!
“No matter who is choose there’s always critics but I believe in those who are here [in camp] and we will show you.
Broos admitted he has a problem going into the tournament without Lyle Foster and Lebo Mothiba but believes Magopa and Lepasa deserve a chance.
“Yes, yes but we have a problem,” Broos added.
“Lyle Foster and Mothiba are not here which is something we didn’t expect and it makes us sad. Foster is an English Premier League player and Mothiba, France Lique 1. Now we have Magopa and Lepasa and they’ve proven to me they deserve to be here.”
Bafana are in group E with Tunisia, Mali and Namibia. After Tunisia, Bafana Bafana are the second most successful team in their pool, having won the competition in 1996 and reaching the finals two years later.
Bafana will start their campaign against Mali on the 16th of January at 22h00 (SAT), before playing Namibia and Tunisia on Sun, 21 Jan, 22h00 (SAT) and Wednesday, 24 Jan, (19h00) SAT respectively.
Written by: Mandisa Maphisa
