Following social media criticism, a veteran coach has come out to defend the Bafana Bafana squad set to open their CHAN account against Algeria on Friday afternoon.
Eyebrows were raised when Molefi Ntseki, who has been installed to be in charge of the squad representing South Africa at the African Nations Championship, released the list of players selected.
The tournament is taking place in Uganda.
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Some have appeared not impressed with certain players included in the list, with the age factor cited regarding several of them.
"Regarding the CHAN squad, I think it's balanced because some of the players there get an opportunity to represent the national team, and some of them might end up at Bafana Bafana," says Augusto Palacios.
"CHAN will benefit Bafana coach Hugo Broos because if some of the players perform there, he will definitely give them a look.
"Coming to the national team, we must not talk age because... How old is Lionel Messi? How old is Cristiano Ronaldo? How old is (Ángel) Di Maria?
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"Age is nothing. If you are performing well, you should get in. It's the perfomance that gives you the credit to go to the national team," he went on.
The former Orlando Pirates gaffer says the CHAN squad shouldn't be underestimated as it is still a national team.
"That's why Mamelodi Sundowns allowed Neo Maema to go and represent the country."
Photo: Charle Lombard/Gallo Images
