Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos still intends to keep faith with defender Khuliso Mudau and midfielder Teboho Mokoena even as they struggle for game time at club level.
The two have seen their playing time significantly reduced at Mamelodi Sundowns this season with Mokoena yet to feature in any of his club’s last five matches while Mudau has only played 16 minutes over that period.
This is despite the duo having been key players for the Brazilians and Bafana Bafana and Broos is among those surprised that they are now struggling for opportunities at Chloorkop.
Why is the Bafana Bafana coach not impressed?
“This is a club matter and I am coach of the national team. I accept the decisions of the club but I don’t have to agree with it,” said Broos.
“I can’t understand why players like Khuliso and Teboho who were key players in their club last season and in the national team who are suddenly for one or another reason are not even on bench anymore.
“When I hear that Teboho was on the bench for a friendly game last Tuesday as Sundowns played against SuperSport, someone has to explain to me what happened there.”
Broos not abandoning his lieutenants just yet
Despite their limited playing time, Broos is not about to abandon Mokoena and Mudau just yet, and they are likely to start on Friday when South Africa face Congo in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Gqeberha.
“For me, it is not a question that I will follow the same things that happened in their club,” added Broos.
“Teboho and Khuliso are key players and stay keep players but if that situation goes on and maybe one day either Teboho or Khuliso will not be ready anymore to produce good performances, then there is time to take decisions, but for the moment, I don’t even think about it
“For me, they are still Teboho and Khuliso from three-four months ago. This is a club matter, even if we are involved because they are Bafana Bafana players. I respect what the coach did but on the other side, I don’t understand.”