Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos announced a 32-man preliminary squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup, but at least six players must be dropped to reach the final 23-to-26-man roster due Wednesday, according to ESPN. Kaizer Chiefs had four players included in the preliminary group, notable given the club had no representatives at the Africa Cup of Nations; ESPN expects three Chiefs to make the final trip to Mexico, the United States and Canada (June 11–July 19).
Brooklyn Poggenpoel was a surprise selection over Portsmouth’s Luke le Roux and ahead of other omitted players such as Orlando Pirates’ Masindi Nemtajela and Polokwane City’s Ndamulelo Maphangule. Poggenpoel did win the Nedbank Cup with Durban City, but ESPN lists him among the likely cuts due to his relative lack of experience compared with other midfield options.
Philadelphia Union centre-back Olwethu Makhanya made the preliminary squad ahead of Tylon Smith and Keanu Cupido, but ESPN notes his limited international experience places him near the top of the chopping block in a position with heavy competition.
The goalkeeper selection is one of the more uncertain areas. Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine is a controversial pick given an impressive season, but Sportswire reported tensions between Broos and the Pirates goalkeeper. With Ronwen Williams, Brandon Petersen and Ricardo Goss all in contention, ESPN suggested Broos could afford to omit one expected name and that Chaine is at risk of exclusion.
ESPN’s other predicted cuts include Orlando Pirates’ Patrick Maswanganyi, described as in and out of coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side and perhaps surplus to Broos’ pressing plans given the presence of Relebohile Mofokeng and Themba Zwane; Kaizer Chiefs right-back Thabiso Monyane, who faces competition from Khuliso Mudau, Thabang Matuludi, Kamogelo Sebelebele and fellow Chiefs full-back Bradley Cross; and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Thapelo Morena, whose versatility and experience are noted but whose recent injury struggles could hinder his chances and make him unlikely to start against Mexico on June 11, according to ESPN.
