Explained! Why Mamelodi Sundowns loanee Sipho Mbule did not make Hugo Broos' final Bafana Bafana squad for Afcon qualifiers

Hugo Broos has explained why Sekhukhune United midfielder Sipho Mbule didn't make it to the Bafana Bafana final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. 

Mbule, who is currently on loan at the Limpopo-based outfit from Mamelodi Sundowns, was included in Broos' preliminary squad after a good start to life at Babina Noko. 

Following Broos' announcement of the Bafana final squad, the 72-year-old tactician provided reasons why he couldn't include Mbule. 

"Mbule has been doing well at the moment for Sekhukhune and he was on the preliminary list, but I am not the guy who, after one good game or two good games, will say this one is ready for Bafana," Broos said. 

"It is up to him to confirm in the next games, next weeks and months (that he is ready) and then maybe we can look at him and say, now is the right time because he is a good player.

"He was with us initially, but after that, his performances went down. When I saw how he was on the pitch, there were some kilos too much at that moment," he added. 

"So, let's hope for him that he understands that it is not enough only to have talent, you have to also be able to show your talent and little by little he is doing it now at Sekhukhune."

Mbule made a surprising loan move from Sundowns to Sekhukhune United in September after failing to secure regular football with Masandawana. 

The 26-year-old midfielder last played for the South African national team in September 2021 during the 2022 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe. 

Bafana will play Uganda next Friday before hosting South Sudan on Tuesday, November 19, at the DHL Stadium in the Afcon qualifiers.

Broos believes Mbule has what it takes to return to the Bafana squad and is ready to recall him.

Mbule will continue to work hard at Sekhukhune United and hope to be called up to the SA team next year for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.