Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has revealed which player he regrets not having in his current squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan.
South Africa had their final training session at Orlando Stadium on Thursday, ahead of Friday night's clash against Uganda at the same venue.
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While Broos is happy with the squad he has selected for the two qualifiers, he can't help but admit that the exclusion of Mothobi Mvala, which was forced, is a regret for him.
Mvala has been recovering from injury and it's unclear at this stage when he will be back on the pitch. Broos, however, is pleased to have Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley in the squad, especially because he is a left-sided centre back who will provide balance to the team.
"We've always had central defenders (who are) right footed on the left side and that was not really a problem. Mothobi did it very well in the games he played. He is not with us and I regret it a little bit because he is the guy with that mentality that I want to see as a defender.
"But with Rushwin, we have a left footed player and it makes it easier in building up. He's never on his bad side, he is with the left foot. No problem at all."
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One of Broos' concerns leading up to the qualifiers was the fact that most of the PSL clubs have not have enough competitive action. But after watching his players in training this week, the worry he had vanished.
"It's qualifiers and it's important that you start good in those games, that you are not behind. I was a little bit afraid in the beginning about the lack of competitive matches, but after the training of yesterday, I am am sure that the team will be ready. I don't think that will be a problem. The guys are motivated like they always are. There are no injuries and that's a good sign, so I am very happy."