Head coach Hugo Broos has explained the absence of Al Ahly winger Percy Tau from the latest Bafana Bafana squad.
Broos' charges will be looking to secure AFCON qualification when they take on Uganda and South Sudan in the latest and last round of qualifiers for the continental showpiece.
Broos had named an initial 38-man squad for the upcoming matches, which has now been trimmed down to a final 23. In addition to Themba Zwane and Lyle Foster who both miss out due to injuries, the side will be missing another senior player in Tau.
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The former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker has had a frustrating season with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, marred by injuries and rumours of an exit.
Speaking to journalists shortly after announcing his squad, Broos said he is hoping that the 30-year-old will secure a move elsewhere.
"You know Percy Tau doesn't play anymore for Al Ahly, he is always on the bench," Broos said.
"I said already two months ago that the environment at Al Ahly is no longer positive for him. At some point, they wanted to sell him, but he wasn't sold.
"Then you have the critics on social media from South African who were not happy with his performances at the AFCON.
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"So, I don't think it's now the right moment for Percy to come with Bafana Bafana, but it doesn't mean he will never come back again.
"So I really hope he can change clubs and be in a more positive environment so that he can produce the performances that expect from him. Then again he can be an important player for Bafana Bafana."
Tau has contributed two goals in seven appearances for Al Ahly this season. Bafana will host Uganda away on Friday, 15 November, before hosting South Sudan in Cape Town on Tuesday, 19 November.