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Lyle Foster, South Africa, August 2025Backpage
Kiplagat Sang

'Lyle Foster pulling same stunts, but Hugo Broos should have called Orlando Pirates' Tshegofatso Mabasa, not Ashley Cupido! Coach's pride could not allow him to call Bradley Grobler, and can someone remind SAFA that Mbekezeli Mbokazi is red-carded'

As Bafana prepare to take on Rwanda's Amavubi, a new player has been called up by Hugo Broos. This is a crucial game for Mzansi, but they will face their rivals without key stars, and this complicates their situation even more.

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has called up Stellenbosch striker Ashley Cupido ahead of the do-or-die 2026 World Cup qualifier.

This is yet another new call-up by Broos, who has been faced with injury and suspension setbacks as he prepares his team for the high-stakes Group C final qualifier. The Belgian tactician is without his regular starters Relebohile Mofokeng, Iqraam Rayners, and the suspended Mbekezeli Mbokazi. 

Cupido has been summoned to replace Burnley's Lyle Foster, who was seen limping during the goalless draw against Zimbabwe.

After Broos settled on Stellies' star, GOAL takes a look at how fans have reacted to the latest Bafana call-up.

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  • Lyle Foster, Bafana Bafana, August 2025Backpage

    Foster pulling stunts

    Foster is pulling the same stunt he pulled before AFCON - Mayedwa Zondwa

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  • Hugo Broos and Bradley Grobler BafanaGOAL

    Grobler or Mabasa are better

    Grobler or Mabasa deserved it more than Cupido in our eyes, but I understand Broos' tactical approach in games. These two players play almost in the same style; they are box strikers. Maybe Hugo doesn't like those kinds of players - Ngcebo Innocent

  • Hugo Broos on Jayden Adams & Fawaaz Basadien videoGOAL

    Pride

    So his pride couldn't allow him to call Grobler, because he wants to be seen as if he knew what he is doing - Marima Justice

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  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando Pirates, October 2025Backpage

    Remind SAFA Mbokazi is suspended

    Can someone remind SAFA that Mbokazi is red-carded - Athi Siphe Xongwana

  • Ashley Cupido, Bafana Bafana, June 2025Backpagepix

    Bet on Cupido

    Cupido to take us to the World Cup tonight, I’ll bet my whole salary - Duran Williams

  • Hugo Broos and Helman Mkhalele, Bafana BafanaBackpage

    Broos does not like strikers that score

    His type of strikers. He doesn’t like strikers that score goals - Katlego Kaygee Kekana

  • Hugo Broos of South AfricaBackpagepix

    Let Broos do his job

    Grobler is a number 9 that's always on the box just like Mabasa... Broos preferred speed upfront and someone who can collect the ball from the back and be good in counterattacks... Just like Rayners and Makgopa, he also used lepasa before... Every coach has his style of play... let the coach do his job in peace... Siyanda Mngadi

  • Fiacre Ntwari, Rwanda, October 2025Backpage

    Ntwari will fumble

    Don't worry, Ntwari promised the Khosi nation three free goals. Just shoot for the goals, and he will fumble the ball - Gilbert Monyepao

  • Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana, August 2025Backpage

    Hugo is a joke

    Hugo is a joke. But he once said that if he fails to go to the World Cup, he'll pack and go back to Belgium - Nhlanhla Sipho Mtshweni

  • Ashley Cupido, South Africa, June 2025Backpage

    Good choice

    Good choice. In Hugo Broos, I believe. I like this coach for not being a coach who gets influenced easily and doesn't listen to the media and the fans. I have massive respect for him for doing that. Don't listen to them; select the players you want for your team. At the end of the day, you will be fired if you don't do well, and not the media and the fans - Da Gaffér

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