Orlando Pirates Legend Questions Hugo Broos for Omitting Tshegofatso Mabasa From His Bafana Squad

• Tshegofatso Mabasa was omitted from the latest South Africa squad
• Hugo Broos named the preliminary squad for the World Cup qualifiers
• Former Orlando Pirates striker is not happy with Mabasa's exclusion

South Africa's coach, Hugo Broos, announced a preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, but a big name was missing.

Orlando Pirates striker, Tshegofatso Mabasa, the leading scorer in the DStv Premiership this season, did not receive a call-up from the Belgian tactician.

Pirates legend, Andries Sebola, is baffled by the decision to exclude the in-form striker from the preliminary squad.

Bruce announced the preliminary squad to face Nigeria and Zimbabwe on Wednesday, May 15. However, it received backlash from fans who weren't happy with Mabasa's omission.

Kabelo Dlamini: How Orlando Pirates Star Was Scouted by a Kaizer Chiefs Legend

Football

The Buccaneers striker is enjoying an incredible season. He has scored 15 goals in the PSL and is on track to scoop the Golden Boot.

The 27-year-old has only played 34 minutes for South Africa, in 2021 against Ethiopia, per Transfermarkt.

His teammate, Evidence Makgopa, was included in the squad despite missing time due to an injury during the campaign. Makgopa was part of the 2023 AFCON squad and has scored six times this term.

Fans were delighted to see new faces like Relebohile Mofokeng, Devin Titus, Tshepang Moremi, and Thabo Moloisane included.

Sebola weighs in on Mabasa's exclusion

Speaking to Far Post, Sebola expressed his displeasure with Mabasa's omission from the squad.

“I think it’s disappointing for the top goal scorer in the league to be out of the Bafana Bafana team,” he said.

Mamelodi Sundowns' Treble Dreams Will Not Erase Champions League Heartache, Says Mokwena

Football

“Even if this is the preliminary squad, he’s supposed to be there because players like Evidence Makgopa and Innocent Maela are there. But they haven’t been playing. I’m quite sure that the coach is taking the team that went to the Africa Cup of Nations. So maybe he wants to build around those players."

Sebola is hopeful that Mabasa will get his time to showcase his talent in Bafana Bafana colours.

“Although I’m disappointed that Mabasa is not there, I can say that he must not give up. And the time will come for him to be there.”

South Africa will face Nigeria on June 7 and then clash with Zimbabwe three days later at Free State Stadium.

Jose Riveiro discusses Mabasa's form

Sports Brief earlier reported on Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro, shedding light on Mabasa's form after his return from loan earlier in the year.

The Spaniard said his confidence is high and is getting regular playing time which has enabled him score regularly.