Hugo Broos Defends Decision to Exclude Kaizer Chiefs Players from Bafana Squad
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has once more stirred controversy by excluding Kaizer Chiefs players from his final 23-man squad for this month’s international friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique. Despite Chiefs recently clinching the Nedbank Cup—ending a ten-year wait for silverware—none of their players have made the final cut, prompting fresh debate around Broos’ selection methods.
Although Bruce Bvuma, Yusuf Maart and Mduduzi Shabalala were named in the provisional 41-man squad, they failed to make the final team. The continued omission has become a familiar narrative during Broos’ tenure, with the Belgian tactician regularly overlooking players from the country’s most popular club in favour of those from more consistent and tactically cohesive outfits.
Form Over Fame, Says Hugo Broos
Hugo Broos, speaking ahead of the fixtures at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, was unflinching in defending his decisions. He argued that support for clubs often clouds public judgement around national team selection. “Some journalists act more like supporters,” he said. “It’s hard for them to accept when a player from their favourite team isn’t selected. But that’s not how I choose my squad. It’s about tactics and the player’s standing in his position.”
Broos insists that decisions are made purely on performance and suitability, not brand or reputation. “When I leave out a Pirates player, it’s fine. But when it’s a Chiefs player, it feels like I’ve committed a crime,” he added. “I pick players based on their value to the national team, not the badge on their shirt.”
Sundowns Absence Explained
In an equally surprising move, not a single Mamelodi Sundowns player was included either. However, this exclusion came with prior agreement. The reigning DStv Premiership champions are deep in preparation for their participation in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from 15 June. Broos clarified that their absence had been discussed and agreed upon with the club in advance.
Pirates Dominate Squad List
This time around, the national team leans heavily on Orlando Pirates, with nine players making the final selection. Stellenbosch FC also contributes three players, while SuperSport United, Polokwane City and a few others are represented as well. Just two members of the squad are currently based abroad: Luke le Roux (IFK Värnamo, Sweden) and Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK, Norway).
The upcoming friendlies are not just warm-up matches—they serve as a testing ground ahead of key fixtures in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Broos is clearly using these games to expand his pool of players and explore new combinations that may prove crucial down the line.
A New Leader Takes the Armband
With first-choice captain Ronwen Williams unavailable, Broos has handed the armband to defender Nkosinathi Sibisi. The coach praised Sibisi’s leadership qualities, saying, “He’s been with us since day one. He’s respected by the squad and brings valuable experience. He’s the right choice to step in for Ronwen.”
All Eyes on Polokwane
Bafana Bafana will take on Tanzania this Friday, 6 June, with kickoff scheduled for 19:30 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Mozambique follows on Tuesday, 10 June, at the same venue. Broos will be hoping his selections silence the critics and deliver strong performances as the team gears up for a pivotal period in its international journey.
Also read: Bafana Bafana Squad: Mbokazi, Nkota Among Four First-Time Selections
