Amakhosi shot-stopper has opened up about the bittersweet revelation that a national team recall was within his grasp before injury struck. The 31-year-old remains determined to force his way back into Hugo Broos' plans as the race for 2026 World Cup qualification spots heats up.
The 28-year-old centre-back recently returned to competitive action after being sidelined since January due to fitness issues. His club has now provided an update on his situation and has also addressed growing transfer speculation.
At times, the Burnley star has been criticised for his low output when playing for the national team. Others have suggested that the Masandawana forward should always be called up instead, given his stats in the Premier Soccer League. Given how critical goals will be needed at the global bonanza, Broos is set to pick a striker who will give him exactly that.
The South African national team have many players to select from when it comes to protecting the goalkeeper, but the veteran Belgian has been urged to consider one Bucs star who has been excellent this season. With barely two months to the World Cup, it is interesting to see whether the technical team will consider him.
The South African star has struggled to replicate the top-level performance he showed at Bucs before he left for Saudi Arabia. The 21-year-old has also found it hard to break into the first team on a more regular basis, making his chances of going to the global bonanza a subject of debate.
Although the Premier Soccer League title race between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates is at the centre of the spotlight, Bafana Bafana's World Cup preparations and performance will steal the show once the season ends. First, Hugo Broos will name his squad, and as usual, his selection will generate a different debate as his choices will be greatly discussed.
The South African star is among the players who are doing well in the ongoing season and has been described as national team material. However, to get a call to Bafana, he has been advised that continued impressive performance against the PSL 'Big Three' is a must for him to earn the coach's attention.
The star has been a regular face in the Bafana Bafana set-up under Hugo Broos. Going by precedence, the 21-year-old has high chances of flying the country's flag in the June/July competition. Given how important the global bonanza is for players, South African stars are expected to give their best for the country and even for their careers.
South Africa are stepping up their preparations for the upcoming global football tournament, with recent international friendlies serving as a key measure of their progress. Their performances against Central American opponents have come under scrutiny. A former Orlando Pirates player has weighed in, checking the squad’s readiness.
Former Amakhosi star and outspoken pundit Junior Khanye has sent a clear message to Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos regarding his defensive selections. Following a commanding continental performance, Khanye believes two Mamelodi Sundowns stars have proved they are indispensable for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The 31-year-old playmaker has quickly become a key figure in the Soweto giants’ midfield since joining the side led by co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef earlier this season. The ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star has been in fine form at Naturena, earning widespread praise from both the Amakhosi faithful and the technical team for how seamlessly he has settled into life at the club.
Hugo Broos appears spoilt for choice in the goalkeeping department, with South Africa now seemingly boasting depth between the posts. The Belgian now faces a tough call in selecting his number one for the global football tournament.
Harbouring targets beyond the Premier Soccer League, Bucs must strengthen their playing unit further if they are to achieve their continental aspirations. Even before the current season ends, already, the Soweto giants have been linked with a rather well-performing goalkeeper who was recently recognised by the national team coach.
As Mzansi's focus turns to the upcoming global showpiece, coach Hugo Broos is a man that is expected to be under an enormous spotlight. This is because the tactician will name his squad, and as usual, the fans and pundits alike will debate who should have been picked and who should not. But the Belgian is a bold tactician who is never afraid of antagonising people regardless of what they say about his selection.
The former Orlando Pirates winger turned up for Al-Ettifaq training with an Amakhosi jersey, something that raised eyebrows owing to the rivalry between the two Soweto giants in South Africa. The Bafana Bafana international shone for the Buccaneers for a season before the Saudi Arabian Pro League outfit signed him at the beginning of the season.
The coaching position on the national team continues to be a subject of speculation. The current holder had previously stated he would step down after the World Cup finals, but recently made a contrasting statement. However, Mzansi's most decorated tactician continues to be linked with the position, as many believe his return would inspire Bafana.
