Mamelodi Sundowns co coach Manqoba Mngqithi says they are excited to have Khuliso Mudau and Lyle Lakay in the Bafana Bafana squad, but still harbours hopes that Themba Zwane will get a chance in the national team again.
Hugo Broos named his Bafana Bafana final squad for this month’s friendlies against Guinea and France on Monday, and it included five Sundowns players, including first call-ups under Broos for Mudau and Lakay.
Speaking to Thomas Mlambo on The Ultimate Sports Show, Mngqithi said he is excited for the duo, and while he thinks the Bafana squad is strong, he still feels Zwane should be playing a role in international football, and thinks only age can be counting against him.
“Now, to be honest, we are very excited, at times the excitement comes with an element of greediness,” Mngqithi said on The Ultimate Sports Show.
“But we’re excited that new faces like Mudau and Lakay got a chance.
“Though one would always say Themba Zwane is one of the best players in the country. Age aside the boy has been consistent and the question is, what does he need to do?
“Maybe he must go to Home Affairs and change his age only, because the truth of the matter is he is a pillar of strength in our team, and he helps us to really navigate our way, which I also believe he can help the national team, but we must not be greedy sometimes.
“Other players also need to get an opportunity and showcase their talent.
“We are very excited with the selection and to be honest the team that the coaches selected looks very strong, and as a country again, we have a responsibility to be patriotic and support our team.”
Mngqithi added that he feels the national team should always select the best players available, no matter which team they play for.
“Personally, I think the country must always have its best players and be those players are coming from any other team in the league, or they are coming from Sundowns, it’s immaterial,” he added.
“The truth is if there is a good player, at Sekhukhune, at TS Galaxy, at Marumo Gallants, that player must be in the national team.”
