The spotlight again is on the Belgian tactician since he named his final squad to take on Panama during the international break. The raging debate is who should have been called up and who should have been left out. The games lined up later this month are expected to give the 73-year-old a glimpse of how fit his players are before the World Cup finals.
There have been questions about the best position for the versatile attacker, who has been excellent for the Buccaneers since getting his chance late in the 2022/23 campaign under the then-coach Jose Riveiro. He is an established South Africa international expected to lead the nation in the 2026 World Cup.
The former Masandawana star was a crucial figure for the Sea Robbers in the first round of the season. However, after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations finals, his playtime reduced. Part of the reason why the 27-year-old has sparingly featured for the Soweto giants is because the midfielder was recovering from an injury.
South Africa has been leaking at the back in recent outings, especially in the concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Morocco. With the global competitions about three months away, the Belgian tactician has been advised to consider an experienced defender who is currently struggling with fitness.
The centre-back has been having mixed reactions from football lovers in South Africa. The fans are divided about the quality of the 30-year-old, who has been a regular feature for the Soweto giants, especially after the exit of Mbekezeli Mbokazi to the Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire early in December.
The former Cape Town City attacker has previously played under the Belgian coach when he featured for South Africa in September 2021 in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe. But despite the good form he has been enjoying this season, the 27-year-old is being ignored as he comes in with versatility, offering back-up as a left attacking player or left-back.
As the West Africans prepare to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, South Africa has promised legal support. Senegal are facing the daunting task of maintaining their status as African champions after their win against Morocco was annulled. The CAF decision to strip Teranga Lions of the trophy came two months after the final was played in Rabat.
The Masandawana skipper has battled serious injuries in the recent past, and given his advanced age, there were fears that he might not fully recover. The 36-year-old last played for the national team in 2024, and he has a chance of wearing the national team colours again this month. South Africa coach has expressed his delight that the playmaker is back after being sidelined for a very long time.
In a decision that shocked the world, the CAF Appeals Board awarded the 2025 finals' hosts the trophy. The decision divided the opinion right in the middle, with some arguing that the board followed what the law stipulates, while others say the interpretation of the provisions was wrong. One of those who have responded to the decision is the South Africa coach, who says the delay makes the whole process questionable.
The national team coach has come out swinging in defence of Makgopa after naming the Orlando Pirates striker in his latest Bafana squad. Despite facing intense criticism from supporters and falling down the pecking order at club level, the Bucs man remains a fundamental part of the Belgian’s plans for the upcoming international break.
The goalkeeping position in the national team will be up for grabs in the next couple of years. Top custodians in South Africa are now hoping to take over from the legendary Mamelodi Sundowns star, who has been consistent for Mzansi. The Belgian tactician has further explained the reasons for snubbing Amakhosi's shot-stopper.
The Belgian recently confirmed his squad for the forthcoming international friendly outing in Durban and Cape Town. The fixture against Panama will be massive for the technical team in their bid to get a strong team to represent the country and Africa at large. Mexico, Canada, and the United States will co-host the Global competition.
The 73-year-old has already begun mapping out South Africa's journey to the 2026 global tournament with a series of logistical demands aimed at giving his side the best chance of success. The Belgian tactician is leaving nothing to chance as he looks to avoid the pitfalls of heavy travel schedules and high-altitude exhaustion in North America.
The South Africa coach is making bold decisions as he shapes his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Belgian tactician has made a few surprise omissions from his squad and has explained that his selections are based on form as he tries to build a competitive team for the global football tournament.
The 20-year-old has risen rapidly in his club career, making notable strides in a short space of time. Since his professional debut in March 2025, he has already secured a move overseas and continues to attract praise as a player destined for greatness. However, his switch to America did not earn a nod from his national team coach.
South Africa have begun their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be staged in North America. The former Cameroon coach has unveiled his squad for the friendly matches scheduled at the end of March. As expected, the tactician made some surprising selections, but he has moved to justify one of those decisions.
