Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has explained the addition of Orlando Pirates' Kamogelo Sebelele and Kaizer Chiefs' Mduduzi Shabalala, who are included in the squad for the upcoming 202 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
On Thursday, Broos named his final 23-man squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.
The list included a few surprises with Ime Oko, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Shabalala and Sebelebele all potentially set to make their debuts.
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Aside from Mdunyelwa, these players were also part of South Africa's squad at the COSAFA in June, pre-cursing their inclusion in Hugo Broos' plans for Bafana Bafana.
Sebelele has enjoyed a bright start to life at his new club, Orlando Pirates, with three goals from his three matches.
Shabalala, although still registering a goal or assist this season, has been instrumental in Amakhosi undefeated streak in the Betway Premiership and ranks among the highest in the league in terms of chances created.
Broos is particularly keen on seeing how this duo shapes up against the likes of Nigeria.
"First of all, it was not to make the selection now because there are a few players who are not there because of injuries or disagreements with their clubs," Broos said, told journalists during his squad announcement.
"On the other side, we have a pool of players, and if the opportunity is there, I think you have to give them a chance. I think he opportunity was now here. You see players like Sebelebele. You see players like Shabalala."
"Players like Sebelelebele, players like Shabalala are players who were on our list from before, but because of the progression they made, I think you have to give them a chance. That is why those players are with us now.
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"I know these are two important games, but I didn't have the confidence in them, they I would not have selected them.
"So if that can succeed, then I think, what I have said already before, the future of Bafana Bafana looks very bright. So let us hope that it succeeds in the two games that we have."
Bafana will take on Lesotho at the Free State Stadium on 5 September before hosting Nigeria on 9 September at the same venue (both at 18:00).
Photo: Gallo Images/ Charlie Lombard
