Khanyisa Mayo: Hugo Broos Explains Striker’s Omission From Bafana Bafana AFCON 2023 Squad

• Khanyisa Mayo was shockingly left out of South Africa’s AFCON 2023 final squad
• The Cape Town City striker has struggled to become a regular in the national team
• Bafana coach Hugo Broos said individualized training could improve the forward

Hugo Broos has shared insights on the omission of Khanyisa Mayo from South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 squad.

Mayo, the prolific Cape Town City striker, ponders what more he must do to catch the eye of the Bafana Bafana coach.

Despite his impressive goal-scoring record, the 25-year-old has yet to secure a regular spot in the national team.

Having topped the DStv Premiership's goal-scoring charts in previous seasons and leading again this season, Mayo's absence from the 23-man squad for the AFCON in Ivory Coast raised eyebrows.

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Broos, who recently guided the team to their first AFCON semi-final since 2000, hinted at the striker's potential but stressed the need for improvement in certain aspects of his game over the next few years.

The 71-year-old challenged the notion that at 25, Mayo should already be a finished product, suggesting that individualized training sessions focusing on technical skills could accelerate his development. He highlighted the importance of identifying and rectifying weaknesses, particularly for younger players, to enhance their overall performance on the field.

“I'm not convinced a 25-year-old player is totally developed — I don't agree with that. If Mayo starts to work on his weaknesses now, he will become better. But you don't have to wait two more years because he will be finished by then. But it's still possible now,” said Broos, as quoted on Times Live.

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While acknowledging the forward's talent, Broos expressed disappointment at the lack of noticeable progress since the striker's initial call-up to the national team in 2022. The manager also suggested that the player’s current level of development may not be sufficient for immediate inclusion in the squad.

Broos challenges Evidence Makgopa

In addition to addressing Mayo's situation, he extended a challenge to Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa, whose standout performances at the 2023 AFCON reportedly caught the attention of European clubs.

Makgopa's contributions, including crucial goals and assists throughout the tournament, earned him praise from the boss, who urged the young striker to continue refining his skills through dedicated practice sessions with his club.

"I have confidence in Evidence. He can become a very good striker. But again, they have to work with him, his first control, sometimes," urged Broos, as reported by Far Post.

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Sports Brief previously reported that Broos felt pessimistic about an African team winning the World Cup soon.

Morocco came close in the 2022 World Cup but fell short in the semi-final. Cameroon, Senegal, and Ghana have reached the quarter-final before.

Only eight countries from Europe and South America have won the World Cup since 1930.