Bafana Bafana vice captain Percy Tau has been excluded from the final 23-man squad that is set to face Uganda and South Sudan in crucial Afcon qualifiers next month.
In the last couple of months, Tau has come under heavy criticism from fans on social media over his performances in the colours of the national team.
Tau has also struggled for game time with Egyptian giants Al Ahly this season, as the situation around his future at the club remains unclear.
The Belgian coach said the decision to drop Tau was tough.
Bafana Bafana squad for their 2 upcoming AFCON qualifier matches against
🇺![CDATA[]]>🇬 6 September 2024 at Orlando Stadium at 18h00
🇸![CDATA[]]>🇸10 September 2024 (away) at 15h00 @SAFA_net @10bet_ZA @flysaa @CastleLagerSA pic.twitter.com/GWka4BwHYF
“It was not an easy decision to drop him but, there were two things that I took into account.
“First of all Percy received lots of criticism at the moment when he plays for Bafana, so I try to protect him and support him for the games against Algeria when he was not there.
“Secondly, his situation at Al Ahly is not clear. There are a lot of rumours and he has not played since the beginning of August - he played just 17 minutes and in the other games he was not even on the bench,” Broos said.
Orlando Pirates players Sipho Chaine and Thalente Mbatha, have been included in the squad for the first time and will be looking to make an impact in the qualifiers to cement their places in the national team set-up.
Stellenbosch FC’s Fawaaz Basadien has also made cut for the first time after impressing for the Cape Winelands side in MTN8 in the new season.
Broos has kept the core of the squad, which includes Mamelodi Sundowns such as Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau,Themba Zwane and Grant Kekana.
Full Bafana Bafana squad:
Ricardo Goss, Veli Mothwa, Sipho Chaine, Sydeney Mobbie, Thapelo Morena, Rushwin Dortlely, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Fawaaz Basadien, Siyabonga Ngenzana, Grant Kekana, Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha, Themba Zwane, Oswin Appolis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng.
IOL Sport