Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has once questioned the absence of midfielder Teboho Mokoena from recent Mamelodi Sundowns matches, after the midfielder's Man of the Match performance against the Republic of Congo.
South Africa made easy work of Congo with a 5-0 hammering courtesy goals from Bathusi Aubaas, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster and a Mokoena brace.
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Broos will be feeling completely vindicated for sticking with his guns in selecting Mokoena to start, considering that the midfielder had bizarrely not played in any of Sundowns' league matches this season.
Speaking to media after the match, Broos reiterated his stance that while he fully respected Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi's decision against playing Mokoena, he did not at all agree with it and believes Friday's performance was enough reason why.
"I have known Teboho [Mokoena] for more than two years, I think he had his first selection when I became the [Bafana] coach and the progression Teboho made in the last two years has been enormous, he became a very, very good player," The Belgian said.
"I know maybe today he was extra motivated to show his coach (Mngqithi) at Sundowns that it was not right to put him on the bench or not select him. So, this is what I like, not words, not talking, just the performance.
"When I said a few days ago that I have to accept and respect that position, but I can't agree, I think today proved why I can't agree that he's not playing at Sundowns.
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"But okay it's not our problem. Also, Khuliso I always put my full confidence in those players, I know who they are, I know how good they are, how important they are for the team.
"I pray to God that at Sundowns they change their mind and that the guys get opportunities to play again.
"In the long term, if the situation [persists], long-term it will have to be - I will have to take decisions that I don't like to make, and let's hope that doesn't happen."