Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has urged returning wingers Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Thapelo Maseko to take their chances and offer selection headaches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Hlongwane, 25, last featured for the country in 2023 in a World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, the last of his 18 senior international caps, where he’s netted four goals in the process.
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It was due to a lack of form at club level with Major League Soccer (MLS) side Minnesota United, but due to the gruelling travelling schedule from the United States, in which Broos stated many of the players arrived too fatigued to make an impact shortly after arrival.
Meanwhile, Maseko, was last part of the squad at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and lost his place due to falling out of favour at Mamelodi Sundowns, but his loan move to AEL Limassol in Cyprus has seen his fortunes change, and Broos has now opted to recall 22-year-old.
“You know those players have already given us satisfaction but for various reasons, we couldn’t take them anymore with the national team,” Broos said about what he’s expecting from them.
“So, we know the qualities of the guys, we know the mentalities of the guys.
“So, it’s nothing new we can learn but it’s up to them to take the chances, they getting another chance and let’s see what they give us in the next weeks.”
South Africa host Panama on Friday evening at Moses Mabhida Stadium (19h00) and on Tuesday at Cape Town Stadium at 19h30.
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