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Gift Links, Aarhus, October 2025AGF
Khothatso Leballo

Aarhus GF coach hands Hugo Broos a challenge after continued snubbing of Gift Links from Bafana Bafana 'I would be surprised if they have three players better than him in that position'

The South Africa national football team coach has been encouraging players to pursue careers in Europe to sharpen their game at a higher level. However, he has overlooked a Denmark-based player who has been in outstanding form this season. The coach insists the in-form star simply does not fit into his plans despite his performances abroad.

  • Gift Links, Aarhus GF, August 2024Aarhus GF

    Links' season so far

    Aarhus GF utility star Gift Links has been struggling to win the attention of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.

    Links, who can play as a left-back or as a left attacker, has managed five goals and four assists in 27 appearances across all competitions this season.

    But getting into the Bafana side, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Broos will have to consider the other material he has at left-back, like Aubrey Modiba and Samukele Kabini, who, like Denmark-based Links, is playing in a Nordic country, but in Norway.

    Up the wing, Broos might be content with the likes of Mohau Nkota, Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshepang Moremi.

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  • Gift Links, Aarhus GFAarhus Gymnastikforening

    Links' qualities explained

    AGF coach Jakob Poulsen has described Links as a fantastic footballer and breaks down the qualities he brings to the pitch.

    “Gift has been fantastic this whole season. He is a crazy one-on-one player and has such fast feet and incredible speed," said Poulsen, as per iDiski Times.

    "From standstill positions, he can get away from his opponent every time. At the same time, he has a really good work rate, up and down the pitch; he’s a pleasure to have on my team.”

  • FBL-AFR-2025-MATCH 04-RSA-ANGAFP

    'I can’t understand'

    The AGF coach is trying to appreciate why Broos has not made Links part of his plans despite his top performances in Denmark.

    “I can’t understand [why he is overlooked by Broos]; I don’t know the South African national team that well," Poulsen added.

    "But with the level he has shown over a really long period, I would be very surprised if they have three players who are better than him in that position.”

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  • Hugo Broos, Bafana BafanaBackpage

    Will Broos change his mind on Links?

    With the 2026 FIFA World Cup slowly drawing closer, there will soon be no time for Broos to make up his mind on Links.

    It is to be seen if the Belgian will include Links in the Bafana squad for the upcoming international friendly match against Panama.

    After witnessing his team's shortcomings at the 2025 AFCON, Broos said he needs more of his players to ply their trade in Europe.

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