Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has explained why Mohau Nkota was left out of the final squad set to face Panama national football team.
South Africa will play Panama in two international friendlies as part of preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
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Nkota’s omission came as a surprise, given his importance to the team in recent months.
However, Broos revealed that the 21-year-old is currently going through a difficult period following the passing of his father and needs time with his family.
He also noted that Nkota has recently lost his place at Al-Ettifaq, adding that it is best for the player to regain both personal stability and form at his club before returning to the national setup.
“When you talk about Mohau Nkota, I think it’s been a very sad period for the moment. Four weeks ago, I think, he lost his father,” said Broos on SABC Sport.
“He lost also his position in the team in Saudi Arabia. Psychologically, he’s not really in good shape. I think it would be not good from our side to take him with the team and ask for performances.
“You know how people are [if he can’t perform]. This is a young guy; he’s not an experienced player. Experienced players [can deal with that].
“But for him, he has, first of all, the death of his father. Secondly, he has to win again the position in his team. Therefore, I think it’s better now that we leave him with his family.
“He’s in South Africa, I had him on the phone call. We leave him there, that he’s coming to peace again. I know with the talent he has that we see him back in a few months.”
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