I was overlooked by Broos! Star hopes for ‘fresh start’ under Bafana Bafana’s Mosimane

Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya now claims Hugo Broos didn’t give him enough chances when he was at the helm of the national team.

SAFA made changes in the technical team, replacing the veteran Belgian tactician with Pitso Mosimane.

The former had served the country for five years before hanging up his boots. During his time, South Africa played in two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, winning bronze in the 2023 edition.

Broos further helped Bafana Bafana qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and made it out of the group stage for the first time in their history. He is regarded as one of the national team’s most successful coaches, despite failing to win any competition with them.

Nevertheless, some players feel the 74-year-old did not allow them to prove their quality and worth for Mzansi. One of those stars is Makhanya, who is playing for Rangers FC.

Makhanya insists he was overlooked

The 22-year-old Makhanya, who was at the time, turning out for the Major League Soccer outfit Philadelphia Union. Despite having him in his World Cup squad, the defender didn’t feature in any game.

The Rangers star has been included in Pitso Mosimane’s preliminary squad for the forthcoming 2027 AFCON.

“I saw the coaching change as an opportunity for a fresh start in the national team because I always felt like I was overlooked by the previous coach,” he said, as quoted by SABC Sport.

“I never understood the criticism because all these people probably never actually watched the MLS. People who really watch that league will tell you that it’s high-level football.

“Honestly, if I were to rank them, I’d put the Scottish Premiership first, second is the MLS, and the Betway Premiership is third,” Makhanya concluded.