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Why Mamelodi Sundowns stars Lyle Lakay and Rivaldo Coetzee were snubbed for Bafana Bafana

Sundowns have been in supreme form in the 2021/22 campaign as they lead the DStv Premiership standings and advanced to the final of the MTN8.

Coetzee and Lakay have been central figures in their impressive displays but have been surprising overlooked by Broos in his recent squad selections.

Ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia next month, the Belgian tactician claimed it's nothing personal and the door remains open for them to be called up as he continues to build his knowledge on South African football.

"I can only select 23 players and I know those players are good for the moment but it's not the right moment to select them," he said.

"I have other plans and I will see. Like I said the first selection [didn't have] all these players [in the current squad]. We will see. Like Hlanti is there [now]. It's not as if they are not here today they're not there tomorrow.

"It's up to them, if they go home and play and continue at the level they are now, then okay maybe they will play against Ghana and Zimbabwe. But again, we need to do everything for Bafana Bafana - I don't give presents."

Scroll right to see the players cut from the preli
Scroll right to see the players cut from the preliminary Bafana Bafana squad >>>
Sifiso Mlungwana - Golden Arrows
Sifiso Mlungwana - Golden Arrows
Vusi Sibiya - Baroka
Vusi Sibiya - Baroka
Tercious Malepe - AmaZulu
Tercious Malepe - AmaZulu
Luther Singh - FC Copenhagen
Luther Singh - FC Copenhagen
Thibang Phete - Belenenses
Thibang Phete - Belenenses
Mduduzi Mdantsane - Cape Town City
Mduduzi Mdantsane - Cape Town City
Jesse Donn - SuperSport United
Jesse Donn - SuperSport United
Sphephelo Sithole - Belenenses
Sphephelo Sithole - Belenenses
Luke Fleurs - SuperSport United
Luke Fleurs - SuperSport United
Thapelo Morena - Mamelodi Sundowns
Thapelo Morena - Mamelodi Sundowns
Percy Tau - Al Ahly
Percy Tau - Al Ahly

The South Africa national team coach reiterated that he will select players who show the desire to represent South Africa and if their form continues, it's likely to be an inevitable return to the fold for the Masandawana talents.

"It's not because your name is this that you will be with Bafana, it doesn't count with me, I try to select the strongest team possible and then yes, maybe there are some players not there but it doesn't mean they won't be there [in future].

"I don't give presents, you have to do something for it, it could be one, two, three months and then you are with Bafana, it's possible, but you have to fight for it and when you are there you have to give everything [for the team].

"I think this has been a problem before, players were happy to be with Bafana but they weren't ready to play those important games. Now I know the players here are ready and will fight."

Bafana face Group G rivals Ethiopia on October 9 at the Bahir Dar Stadium before the return leg at FNB Stadium three days later.

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