Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos explained why he called up Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha for the Afcon qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan next month.
The Belgian tactician announced the final 23-man squad on Wednesday and stated that he has been searching for a player like Mbatha for a long time.
Bafana Bafana squad for their 2 upcoming AFCON qualifier matches against
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🇺![CDATA[]]>🇬 6 September 2024 at Orlando Stadium at 18h00
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“He is the type of player in that position we have been looking for, for a long time. He is tall and he is a typical defensive midfielder he plays in his position and he plays the game from left to right, he's always there and available.
“He is not running like a fool in front. What I have seen from him until now, tactically, he does what he has to do, so I think this is the moment to call him for Bafana Bafana,” Broos told the SABC.
Broos added that it was now up to the 24-year-old to show what he could do in the colours of the national team.
“It’s up to him now to show in training, if he should play, maybe not all games, maybe come to prove that he is in the right place,” Broos added.
Mbatha has impressed in the colours of the Buccaneers, helping the Soweto giants clinch the Nedbank Cup last season.
The hard-tackling midfielder has continued with his fine form into the new season after impressing in the MTN 8 matches as the Pirates look to defend their title.
IOL Sport