Only one Kaizer Chiefs player made Hugo Broos’ final 26-man Bafana Bafana squad announced on Wednesday.
Bradley Cross was the only Amakhosi player to survive the final cut, with Lebohang Maboe, Brandon Petersen and Thabiso Monyane all missing out on selection.
The final squad announcement left some Chiefs supporters frustrated, with many feeling Petersen deserved a place ahead of SuperSport United goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.
Broos decided to stick with his trusted goalkeeping trio of Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine and Goss.
Three Kaizer Chiefs players left out
Here are three Chiefs players which were left from the final Bafana squad and here’s why.
Brandon Petersen
The Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper enjoyed an impressive campaign, recording a save ratio close to 80 percent.
Petersen played a key role in helping Amakhosi finish third in the Betway Premiership and produced strong performances against both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns during the season.
Despite his form, Petersen has struggled to break into the national setup during Broos’ tenure. In previous seasons, Bruce Bvuma and veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune were often preferred ahead of him at club level.
Petersen only established himself as Kaizer Chiefs’ undisputed number one this season, by which time Bafana Bafana had already settled on their preferred goalkeepers.
With both Chaine and Goss enjoying solid campaigns themselves, it was always going to be difficult for Petersen to displace either of them. Broos also appears to value continuity and trust within his squad, especially in a major tournament year.
Thabiso Monyane
Monyane had a decent season for Chiefs, but competition at right-back made his selection highly unlikely.
Khuliso Mudau remains Broos’ first-choice option, while Thabang Matuludi and Kamohelo Sebelebele have also impressed this season. Both players arguably offered more consistency and impact throughout the campaign.
Although Monyane showed quality at times, the depth in his position ultimately worked against him. Even players like Mike Mamosha, who enjoyed outstanding seasons, are unlikely to get significant game time at the tournament.
Broos the only Kaizer Chiefs player in the squad
Lebohang Maboe
Maboe endured a slow start to life at Kaizer Chiefs but grew into the season and produced an excellent second half of the campaign.
His improved form earned him a place in the preliminary squad, but breaking into the final 26 was always going to be difficult.
Given his age and the fact that he had never been a regular part of Broos’ plans, Maboe faced stiff competition from the likes of Jayden Adams, Thalente Mbatha and Teboho Mokoena.
Broos has also shown strong faith in players such as Sphephelo Sithole, making it unlikely that he would gamble on someone who had not previously featured prominently in his setup.
Kaizer Chiefs’ failure to progress beyond the CAF Confederation Cup group stages may also have counted against some of their players when final selections were made.
