Kaizer Chiefs centre-back Given Msimango has discussed his snub from Hugo Broos’ final Bafana Bafana squad for the recent international friendlies, saying he hasn’t given up on his AFCON dream and will let his performances speak.
Msimango, 26, was part of the initial 36-man preliminary Bafana squad, but was among those dropped from Broos’ final selection.
However, while Msimango was dropped, his former teammates Bathusi Aubaas and Mlungisi Mbunjana featured in the two friendlies – the latter was also initially dropped but returned after Luke Le Roux had to withdraw with injury.
“I was very much delighted, my heart was warm when I saw that Mlungisi Mbunjana and Bathusi Aubaas being selected,” Msimango said on Thursday.
“My former colleagues, people that I’m close to. We all had the ambition of playing for Bafana, and striving beyond and I was so happy to seeing them there.
“I so wish we could’ve shared this moment, but I was delighted seeing them there. We had a few conversations and yeah, a much-deserved call-up and long overdue for Mlungisi Mbunjana.”
Msimango then discussed what he himself can do to finally make his Bafana debut.
“For me it’s about continuing the good work I’ve been doing for Kaizer Chiefs,” he continued.
“I’m only be judged that I give for me club and that’s what I’ll continue doing and not looking anywhere else but focussing on my performances.”
He confirmed that he has not given up on jumping on the Bafana train before next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, admitting that Broos would not overlook him if he continuously puts up quality performances.
“My job is to respect those opinions, and if you understand who you are as an individual you hold yourself to high standards and understand that where you are is where you deserve to be, and that’s where you want to thrive,”
“For me it’s just to respect his observations and opinions, just to continue doing what I’m doing for the club and for myself, and continue improving like I’m in each and every training session, showing up and doing my best.
“Everything you leave in the hands of God, I think we have the AFCON in five months. Your performances will put you in the team, no favours will be done, I believe.
“You cannot fool the South African population, they are huge lovers of the game, they understand the game. Your performances will definitely put you in the team come January, that’s what I’ll focus on and that’s what my goals are.”
