Not in-form Kaizer Chiefs star Thabo Cele! Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos replaces injured Patrick Maswanganyi with ex-Orlando Pirates star's brother

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was forced to seek plan 'B' after Patrick Maswanganyi's late withdrawal.

The Orlando Pirates midfielder was locked out after sustaining an injury in training.

He was not part of the Bucs squad that beat Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday in the Premier Soccer League assignment at the FNB Stadium.

Some fans may have felt that the in-form Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele was the ideal replacement for Maswanganyi.

However, Broos felt otherwise; his primary target was Sinoxolo Kwayiba of Chippa United who was, unfortunately, injured.

The Belgian then decided to give Polokwane City midfielder Ndamulelo Maphangule a chance.

The 27-year-old is a brother to former Orlando Pirates forward Meshack Maphangule who played for the Soweto giants between 2018 and 2020.

“So this morning, with all the other problems, we had to call him [Maphangule] so we’re lucky he’s living here in Polokwane," Broos stated.

"Imagine he has to come from Chippa or whatever, then we have to wait until [Tuesday].

“The first choice was [Sinoxolo] Kwayiba from Chippa [united], but he’s also injured, his knee, therefore we have this guy here on the left [Maphangule], same as Thabo, he’s had good performances and deserves to be here with us.

"It’s up to him to make us happy to confirm why we’ve taken him for the national team," Broos concluded.

Maphangule has a massive chance to underline his worth for the national team with a decent outing, of course, if he gets his chance on the pitch.

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals coming later in the year, it will be important for him to give his best and win Broos' trust.

Bafana host Lesotho on Friday, March 21, before playing Benin away four days later.