‘IT WON’T BE EASY’

BAFANA Bafana coach Hugo Broos has his work cut out for him as he faces a tricky selection task when he announces his final 23-member squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month.

The Belgian admitted that he will face arguably his toughest selection as Bafana coach, but said he is ready to make the hard decisions as that comes with the territory.

After not selecting the likes of Iqraam Rayners and Relebohile Mofokeng, Broos wysed: “It’s not difficult to notice that 80 to 85 percent [of the Afcon squad] is known. I have it in my head.

“With the rest of the players, we’ll see what happens until the end of the month.

“I will announce the final 23-member squad a week before we assemble for camp on 8 December.

“There are some decisions to make. If you look at the current squad, Relebohile Mofokeng, [Siyabonga] Ngezana and a few others are not there. So I have to make choices, and they’ll be made.

“It won’t be easy. It was easier two years ago when we went to Ivory Coast for Afcon. I didn’t have those problems. But it’s fine, it’s my job. It will be a tough one, but the choices have to be made.”

Broos was speaking during his squad announcement for the friendly against Zambia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium next Saturday, where he once again faced tough selection decisions.

While he stuck with mostly his tried-and-tested players for the friendly, he also handed call-ups to two newcomers: Masindi Nemtajela and Keletso Makgalwa. Their inclusion meant that Broos dropped Mduduzi Shabalala and Rayners.

Broos also made a bold declaration at Safa House, saying that Thembinkosi Lorch has no future in his team now or in the future.

He added: “You also have to look at his age. This is not the future. I am very sorry. And if I didn’t have other options, then okay, maybe I would select him.”

Bafana squad v Zambia:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine 

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Thabang Matuludi, Thabo Moloisane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Masindi Nemtajela, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Sipho Mbule

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, Keletso Makgalwa