Broos explains surprise absence of American trio Hlongwane, Blom, Mailula from Bafana squad

Head coach has explained the surprise omission of several players including Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Njabulo Blom from his final 23-man Bafana Bafana squad for upcoming friendlies in September.

As part of the Afcon preparations, Bafana will host Namibia on Saturday, 9 September, before taking on DR Congo three days later on Tuesday, 12 September. Ahead of those matches, Broos has announced his final squad.

READ | Hugo Broos names exciting frontline in latest 23-man Bafana squad

Hlongwane has been one of the stand-out performers in the Major League Soccer (MLS) this season and Minnesota United's leading goal scorer with 15 goals and four assists across all competitions.

"Hlongwane is injured, so he can't be with us," Broos explained shortly after announcing his squad.

"I had a phone call with him yesterday. So, okay, [although] we will not play today, we will not play on Sunday. Maybe he could have been ready for one of the two (upcoming Bafana) games but I think it is better for him now to stay there and it gives me the opportunity to go with someone else, hence [Kobamelo] Kodisang is here."

The Belgian tactician explained why he decided against calling up Mailula who recently joined US-based side Toronto FC and Njabulo Blom who plays for St. Louis City.

"Mailula? okay, there was the transfer, he is adapting to a new team, and he didn't play so much. He played yesterday I think so okay, Mailula is Mailula and he will stay with us. But also now for these games, it gives me the opportunity to do something else."

"The last one with Blom, I don't know what happens with Blom, sometimes he plays, sometimes for a few weeks he doesn't play so yeah. I prefer to take [Grant] Margeman to prove himself than to take Blom, also someone who didn't play much in the last few weeks."

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