Ex-Kaizer Chiefs star slams Bafana Bafana CHAN squad & insists 'players' agents played significant role in selections' - 'Bongani Sam was injured for six months, Monnapule Saleng has his own problems'

The African Nations Championship (CHAN) will take place from August 2 to August 30 and will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. South Africa must secure qualification, but they face a tough challenge against Egypt in a two-legged clash.

The first leg will be played on February 28, with the return fixture set for March 9. Since the tournament is not part of the FIFA calendar, clubs are reluctant to release their players as they focus on league honours and survival.

This has led to a controversial squad selection, with several inactive players making the cut. Junior Khanye has raised concerns about the selection criteria, questioning the omission of deserving players. He also suggested that player agents might have influenced the final squad list.

"It's clear that players' agents played a significant role in these selections," says Khanye, matter-of-factly as reported by KickOff.

"Bongani Sam was injured for six months, and we haven't seen him since he joined [Kaizer] Chiefs. Monnapule Saleng has his own problems at Orlando Pirates. We aren't even sure about his future.

"Yes, we have seen what [Monnapule] Saleng can do in the past, but for me, CHAN is a platform to showcase young and promising talented players.

"Why is Sphelele Mkhulise not in the team? Why is Sipho Mbule not there? Where is Thabo Moloisane from Stellenbosch? They should give Mohau Nkotha a chance.

"Jody February, where has he played? Is he going to be our goalkeeper after playing only one game at his club this season? Why not choose Ricardo Goss instead? Where is Emile Witbooi, the U20 Player of the Tournament? Give the likes of Mduduzi Shabalala a chance to prove themselves.

"I'm glad they've called up Neo Maema, he deserves to be there. In fact, he is the only player who truly deserves this call-up. Kutlwano Letlhaku also deserves recognition. As for the rest, where did Helman Mkhalele find these players? Do they actually assess the players, or do they just rely on databases?" he adds.

"That would have pushed them out of their comfort zones at an early age," added Khanye.

"As a country, we have a lot to address. I don't believe some of these players in this team have a future with the real Bafana Bafana. Agents have played a significant role in this selection, and I am disappointed with the national team selectors. It’s disheartening because these players are unlikely to progress.

"Some of them are not even national team material, and I don't know what they have done to earn a call-up.

"Hugo Broos and Helman Mkhalele need to be realistic and consider the future of the country. They have players in Bafana Bafana who get called up but do not receive game-time. Those are the players who should have been selected for this game.

"This squad feels like a waste of resources."

With key regulars unavailable for selection, this match presents an opportunity for Hugo Broos and his technical team to assess a broader pool of players. It allows younger talents to gain international experience and prove themselves at a higher level.

Veterans like Themba Zwane are nearing the final stages of their careers, making it essential to find long-term replacements. The CHAN qualifiers could serve as a stepping stone for players who may feature in the senior national team in future tournaments.

South Africa’s ability to build squad depth is crucial for sustained competitiveness on the continent. This fixture is also a test of the team's adaptability in challenging conditions against a strong Egyptian side.

Bafana Bafana must overcome Egypt to secure a place in the CHAN finals. Success in this qualifier will boost the team’s morale ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures. They will also turn their focus to the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Lesotho on March 17. A week later, on March 24, they will take on Benin in another key qualifying match. These encounters will play a significant role in shaping South Africa’s journey towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The next few weeks will be a crucial period for the squad, as they balance CHAN qualification and World Cup aspirations.