Bafana Bafana’s Teboho Mokoena takes part in a training session at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations FILE - Bafana Bafana’s Teboho Mokoena takes part in a training session at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. On Friday, the holding midfielder silenced his detractors with a brace in Bafana’s Afcon qualifier against Congo. Photo: Sia Kambou/AFP
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has once again voiced his opinion on Teboho Mokoena’s situation at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he is struggling for game time.
Despite not featuring at all for his club this season, holding midfielder Mokoena showed how valuable he was when he scored a first brace in Bafana Bafana’s 5-0 demolition of Congo in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday.
Due to his lack of game time for Sundowns, Mokoena’s selection for the national team raised a few eyebrows, and former Bafana star Doctor Khumalo called on him to be dropped if the situation does not change.
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Speaking after Friday’s game in Gqeberha, Broos once again said that while he respects Sundowns’ Manqoba Mngqithi’s decision to not select Mokoena, he was baffled by it due to his ability.
“The progression Teboho has made in the last two years has been enormous. He’s become a very good player. I know today he was extra motivated to show to his coach at Sundowns that it was not right not to select him.
“This is what I like. Not words, not talking, just the performance. I have to accept and respect the decision [by the Sundowns coach], but I can’t agree. I think today proved why I can’t agree with why he’s not playing at Sundowns. But it’s not my problem,” said Broos.
Along with Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau is another who has been snubbed by Sundowns this season. However, Broos reiterated he trusts them completely to get the job done in the colours of the national team.
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“With Khuliso as well, I put my confidence in those players because I know what they are, and how good they are and how important they are for the team.
“I just pray that Sundowns change their mind and that the guys get an opportunity to play again. Because if [things don’t change], I will have to take decisions that I don’t like to make. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.”
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