- Orlando Pirates forward Tshegofatso Mabasa has spoken out about being overlooked by coach Hugo Broos in the latest Bafana Bafana squad list
- Despite being named in the preliminary 32-man roster, the South African star didn't make the final cut despite impressive performances on the field
- Broos opted for other strikers ahead of Mabasa, leaving fans and analysts questioning the decision
In a candid conversation, Orlando Pirates' rising star Tshegofatso Mabasa has finally addressed the elephant in the room—his exclusion from the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo Brazzaville. The snub by head coach Hugo Broos has sparked a lot of debate, but Mabasa remains optimistic about his future with the national team.
Just days before the announcement, Mabasa played a pivotal role in Pirates' thrilling MTN8 final victory against Stellenbosch FC, scoring one of the crucial goals that secured the win. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, leaving many wondering why he wasn’t given a spot in the final lineup.
The talented striker from Botshabelo made it into the initial 32-man squad, but unfortunately, he didn’t make the cut when the Belgian coach finalized his team. This decision left many fans scratching their heads, especially since Mabasa has been in stellar form this season.
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Mabasa Talks About the Snub and Staying Positive
In an exclusive interview with iDiskiTimes, Mabasa opened up about the situation following Pirates' MTN8 triumph. He expressed his unwavering determination to get back into the national team, despite the recent disappointment. “I’m not one to dwell on setbacks,” he said, demonstrating his resilience and focus on the bigger picture.
Last season, the South African international was crowned the Premier Soccer League’s golden boot winner, proving his prowess in front of the goal. But even that impressive achievement wasn’t enough to secure his place in the national team. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but Mabasa is taking it in stride.
For the upcoming qualifiers against Congo Brazzaville, Hugo Broos has chosen to rely on Iqraam Rayners and Lyle Foster as his primary strikers, leaving Mabasa on the sidelines. However, the Pirates ace isn’t letting this deter him. “I believe in my abilities, and I know I can contribute to the team when called upon,” he stated confidently.
“Coming to the national team issue or topic, it will happen; if God wants it to happen, it will happen,” the Orlando Pirates star said after the game.
“I will just continue to put the ball into the back of the net and continue to work hard at training because I know that I have the support of my teammates.”
“Everyone keeps telling me you have to keep your head up, continue to work hard, and it will happen.”
Minister McKenzie Issues a Challenge to Bafana Bafana
Sport Minister Calls for Immediate Results
In related news, national sports minister Gayton McKenzie has issued a clear mandate to Safa and the Bafana Bafana coaching staff. Speaking to Briefly News, McKenzie emphasized the need for tangible results from the national team. The minister has shown his support but warned that there’s a time limit for improvement.
With the qualifiers approaching, all eyes will be on Broos and his team to deliver the kind of performances that will bring pride to the nation. It’s a crucial moment for Bafana Bafana, and fans are hoping for a turnaround in fortunes. Meanwhile, Mabasa continues to lead by example, showing that hard work and dedication will always pay off in the long run.
