Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named a 38-man preliminary squad to face Uganda and South Sudan in two AFCON qualifiers set to take place in September.
All eyes will be on the national team and coach Hugo Broos after he named a preliminary squad for the upcoming two fixtures. The Bafana squad is drenched in quality, with a mix of young and experienced players. His most recent selection had a positive impact on the way Bross wants to play, but there are still some notable names that have been left out.
Pyramids striker Fagrie Lakay, Gift Links who plies his trade in Denmark, and Khanyiso Mayo who recently made a move to Algerian side CR Belouizdad are a few players to mention who have failed to receive a call-up.
The most notable name excluded from this team to face Uganda and South Sudan is Tshegofatso Mabasa. The Botshabelo-born striker was lethal last season for the Buccaneers, but his impressive performances have not been enough for a call-up to the national team.
The 27-year-old proved himself in the black and white colours after returning from Moroka Swallows where he spent a season on loan. The loan move helped Mabasa take his game to the next level and the Buccaneers have since reaped the rewards of his hard work.
Mabasa’s consistent performances have made him a reliable option upfront. His ability and goal-scoring prowess are second to none after netting 16 goals in 26 appearances for Pirates last season which saw him receive the Golden Boot award. His contributions go beyond just scoring; he has also been pivotal in creating opportunities and linking up play which sets him apart from other players in his position.
With winning the Golden Boot award, it would appear a formality that Mabasa would be the spearhead for Bafana Bafana. Having made his debut in 2017, the left-footed centre-forward has only managed to make one more appearance in the green and gold colours of the national team.
Big match temperament is something Mabasa does not lack but rather has in abundance, often stepping up when it matters most. Scoring a hat-trick in a decisive match against Golden Arrows last season led Orlando Pirates to a significant victory.
In his time with the Dube Birds, Mabasa scored twice to lead Moroka Swallows to a 2-1 comeback win against AmaZulu. Having composure and the ability to deliver under pressure has made him a key player in important matches.
What will it take or what does Mabasa have to do to don the green and gold once again? It’s a question that will need to be addressed if players who have been chosen ahead of him fail to step up and deliver on the big occasions.
Written by Marc Strydom