Mduduzi Mdantsane Called to Bafana Bafana Squad as Replacement for Missing Playmakers

• Mduduzi Mdantsane has been called up to the Bafana Bafana squad to replace Percy Tau
• The Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder is being spoken of as a long-term replacement for another injured star
• Percy Tau withdrew from the Bafana Bafana squad last week, citing ‘family reasons’

Hugo Broos has elaborated on his thinking when being forced to fill a Percy Tau-sized hole.

The Al-Ahly maestro requested to sit this international window out, creating an opportunity for a willing replacement.

Bafana Bafana have granted 28-year-old Mduduzi Mdantsane the opportunity to pull on his national team’s jersey in upcoming friendlies with Eswatini and Ivory Coast.

Mdantsane has made one appearance for South Africa already, getting a run out against Zimbabwe in November 2021.

He joined Kaizer Chiefs at the start of the season from Cape Town City. He made 109 appearances for the Mother City club, scoring 21 goals and contributing seven assists.

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Hugo Broos was quizzed at a press conference about his reasoning for calling up Mdantsane.

The Bafana Bafana boss outlined the basic plan but then alluded to Mdantsane being a prolonged alternative to another creative option. KickOff reported Broos as saying:

"He’s one who was on our list. So now because Percy is not there, we had two choices: either we take another winger or we can use the opportunity to bring in someone who can be a long-term replacement for Themba Zwane. And that’s why he is here."

Stressing that his decision was based on form and no team-specific bias, FarPost stated Broos as adding:

"I just choose because I need them and they are the best at that moment in that position, that’s all."

With options thin, Broos turning to Mdantsane in the upcoming friendlies could give the Chiefs man a chance to cement a spot in the African Cup of Nations squad.

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Broos frustrated with preparations

Sports Brief reported earlier that Broos was unhappy with Bafana Bafana's injury list and the late withdrawals.

The veteran coach called for improved communication from the clubs so that he could make the best of the international windows.

After the fixtures against Eswatini and Ivory Coast, Broos will have only two competitive matches before the African Cup of Nations in January.