Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos named 23 players who will do duty in Ivory Coast.
The most notable absence was Burnely striker Lyle Foster. It is worth keeping in mind that he’s spent time away from the Premier League side citing an unspecified mental health issue.
When Broos was asked why Lyle was left out, he spoke to Burneley’s head coach Vincent Kompany about how the player was truly feeling.
“After speaking to Vincent about Lyle, it was clear that he still needed more time to get himself right and that’s what made me rethink about the squad. We decided to leave him out of the squad”, said Broos.
Commenting on the selected Bafana squad was Desh Parthab, football analyst at Soccer Betting News, had his own opinion about the squad.
“We need to prioritise players who are playing now. I know Lyle will be a serious miss but if you look at other players who have missed out like Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Khanyisa Mayo and others then you will see that there are areas in which this squad is short”, said Desh.
Injuries have dealt Bafana Bafana a big blow as earlier in the past month, Strasbourg forward Lebo Mothiba was also forced out of AFCON reckoning after undergoing surgery for a fractured patella.
In Foster and Mothiba, you have two players who play in what are considered two of the five best leagues in Europe. Goal-shy Bafana will certainly miss the services of the duo.
Let’s not forget that Mayo did not make it as well despite scoring consistently in the DStv Premiership over several seasons.
What are your thoughts on the squad?
The final squad as announced by Coach Hugo Broos earlier today, to compete at #AFCON2023 in Côte d’Ivoire. Congratulations and good luck Bafana Bafana!!! #BafanaPride pic.twitter.com/u9cNoZ98dA
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) December 28, 2023
