Hugo Broos Explains Khanyisa Mayo's AFCON Snub, Gives Cape Town City Star Another Chance to Impress

• Khanyisa Mayo was not called up to Bafana Bafana's squad for AFCON 2023
• He was left out despite winning the PSL's Golden Boot in the previous season
• South Africa coach, Hugo Broos, has explained the reason for Mayo's omission

South Africa head coach, Hugo Broos, has shed light on his decision to exclude Khanyisa Mayo from the squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Cape Town City star co-claimed the DStv Premiership's Golden Boot last season, alongside Mamelodi Sundowns' Peter Shalulile, netting 12 goals in 27 matches.

Mayo also leads the South African first division's scorers this season with nine goals in 18 games.

The omission of Mayo and Iqraam Rayners sparked inquiries, with Broos preferring Zakhele Lepasa and Evidence Makgopa to fill in for the unavailable Lebo Mothiba and Lyle Foster.

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The Bafana coach has now explained in detail why he left the 25-year-old out of the squad that achieved an impressive bronze medal finish.

"Mayo was good months ago, but he’s not progressed - he needs to take that step more to be a real Bafana Bafana player, but he didn’t, so, therefore, he was not with us at AFCON," said the Belgian manager, as quoted by iDiski Times.

Pressed further on the forward's shortcomings, Broos outlined Mayo's inability to impact games effectively, particularly as a lone striker, where holding up play, exploiting channels, and dropping deep to receive possession are all essential.

Mayo called up for Bafana friendlies

Mayo will get his chance to impress again, however, as he has been called up for Bafana's upcoming matches against Algeria and Andorra later this month.

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Broos has introduced 10 new players to the 23-man squad for the FIFA Series friendlies, a biennial invitational tournament featuring friendly matches between national teams from different confederations.

As per FIFA, the initiative aims to provide member associations with more playing opportunities and thus enhance football competitiveness globally.

This month, five concurrent FIFA Series events are scheduled in Algeria, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, and Saudi Arabia, with the latter hosting two events.

Broos backs midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi

Sports Brief also reported on Broos calling Patrick Maswanganyi up for Bafana Bafana's squad.

Broos believes the Orlando Pirates midfielder could be the heir to the veteran, Themba Zwane.

Zwane brought massive experience to the squad in Ivory Coast but his age could be a big factor.