'It wasn't nice!' Kaizer Chiefs stars & co. wronged?

Bafana Bafana legend Sibusiso Zuma believes coach Hugo Broos was not fair to Kaizer Chiefs stars and others who were axed from the squad selected to represent the country in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Belgian tactician kept his cards close to his chest, until the final dinner before exit. He then confirmed that three Amakhosi players – Brandon Petersen, Thabiso Monyane, Lebohang Maboe alongside Patrick Maswanganyi, Brooklyn Poggenpoel and Thapelo Morena had not made the list.

Patrick Maswanganyi and Yanela Mbuthuma, Orlando Pirates

The 50-year-old argues the least Broos could have done was to inform them prior to that they had not made the travelling party.

Broos slammed for his actions

“It was not nice for the six guys, the way they found out,” Zuma said as quoted by the Sowetan.

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos. Photo credit: Imago

“I really felt sorry for them, but then again, this is a national team. We come together for the same goal which is to serve the national team.

“They should have been told earlier; I’m sure the coaching staff knew a few days before who’s going to be part of the team. I’m not fighting against anyone, but it could have been handled way better. They gusy took one for the team in the end,” Zuma concluded.

South Africa will open their campaign on June 11 against Mexico before facing the Czech Republic and later end Group A outing versus South Korea.

Bafana Bafana World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Khulumani Ndamane (all Sundowns), Kamogelo Sebelebele, Nkosinathi Sibisi (both Pirates), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Samukele Kabini (Molde/Norway), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union/USA), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire/USA), Ime Okon (Hannover/Germany)

Bafana Bafana players training in Pachuca, Mexico. Image – Imago

Midfielders: Oswin Appollis, Thalente Mbatha, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Pirates), Jayden Adams, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane (all Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela/Portugal)

Forwards: Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi (both Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley/England), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol/Cyprus), Iqraam Rayners (Sundowns)