Photo Credit - Orlando Pirates Media.
Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has discussed the decision by coach Hugo Broos to axe him from the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.
While naming his provisional 37-member squad, Broos included Mabasa but on Thursday while whittling the list for the two qualifiers, his name was missing. The 28-year-old, who has so far scored 13 goals and provided one assist across 34 appearances in all competitions, maintains that he will not stop from knocking the door to be considered again.
“I am just going to keep on knocking on the door; that’s it,” explained Mabasa as quoted by FARPost. “I’ve got nothing else to say about that [being omitted from Bafana, the squad]. It is his [Broos’] decision at the end of the day; all I can do is continue to push as a player.
“Nothing makes me as happy as playing football and being out on the pitch. So, I am just grateful for the fact that I can continue to do that. Whatever opportunities come my way, I am grateful for them.
“Look, I’m one person that was brought up [well]. My parents always made me believe in hard work and strive for what I want, and that’s exactly what I will continue to do for the rest of my life.”
Broos’ charges will host Lesotho at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo, on March 21, and then travel to Cote d’Ivoire to face Benin on March 25. The Beninese will host Bafana in Ivory Coast after their home grounds were deemed unsuitable for international matches.
Bafana will report for residential camp on Monday, March 17, and then travel to Polokwane on the same day. After hosting Lesotho, Broos and his charges will travel to Abidjan the next day on a charter flight to face Benin and return to South Africa on March 26.
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