Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana Squad Raises Eyebrows Over Kaizer Chiefs Snub
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has named a 23-man squad to face Tanzania and Mozambique in two international friendlies this week, but the glaring omission of Kaizer Chiefs players has stirred controversy within South African football circles.
Despite Kaizer Chiefs recently lifting the Nedbank Cup, not a single player from the Soweto giants made the cut for Broos’ squad. What has puzzled fans and insiders alike is that Mamelodi Sundowns players were unavailable due to FIFA Club World Cup commitments, while several overseas-based South African stars were also left out, seemingly creating space for locally-based talent to shine—yet Chiefs were still overlooked.
The exclusion has reignited debates around the national team selection process, with many questioning whether the decision is purely performance-based. Sources within the Chiefs camp are reportedly frustrated, particularly given the context of the squad’s composition. They argue that several players who have been consistent throughout the season, including midfield dynamo Yusuf Maart and young attacking star Mduduzi Shabalala, were more than deserving of a call-up.
“You mean to say Yusuf Maart can’t fit into that squad? What about Mdu Shabalala?” one insider said. “These players are better suited to the current Bafana Bafana squad. Other players have only played three games and are there. What’s the selection criteria?”
Coach Hugo Broos has previously addressed claims of bias against Kaizer Chiefs, insisting he harbours no personal grudge towards the club. However, he has been vocal about his disappointment with Chiefs’ ninth-place finish in the DStv Premiership, which may have influenced his decision to snub their players.
A second source close to the club believes the issue goes beyond performance alone and hints at a deeper concern regarding the fairness of the selection process. “Whether it’s a personal vendetta or not, there is a problem. Some players played a full season, won Man of the Match awards, and still didn’t get selected. Others played just three matches and got called up—how does that make sense?”
As the friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique approach, pressure will mount on Broos and his squad to deliver convincing performances. Any slip-ups could intensify the scrutiny around his selection choices, particularly the exclusion of Kaizer Chiefs players during a period that seemed tailor-made for giving them an opportunity.
For now, Chiefs’ stars will have to continue proving themselves at club level and hope future Bafana Bafana selections offer a fairer reflection of their efforts and consistency throughout the domestic campaign.
