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JOHANNESBURG. — Former striker Katlego “Killer’’ Mphela has questioned Belgian head coach Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana selections for the upcoming 2022 World Cup Qualifiers.
Broos named a youthful squad as Bafana get their qualifying campaign under way against Zimbabwe and Ghana.
Mphela, who scored 23 goals in 53 appearances for Bafana, questioned the lack of experience of Broos’ 23-man squad.
“I saw the selected squad, and the names sound nice on paper, and they sound strong,” Mphela told KickOff.com.
“So, hopefully, the coach can get it right in these two upcoming matches, but in my opinion, I don’t think there’s enough experience.
“My worry is the experience because we’re trying to transform the squad, but we’ll see.
“I don’t see names such as Thulani Serero, who has been doing very well where he’s playing. He just won an award where he’s playing.
“I don’t see the likes of Andile Jali, but the names selected sound nice, but I’m just worried about the experience.
“To me, it comes down to form, and whoever is performing should play. We always go for the same type of strikers. We don’t have that number nine who’s going to be around the box and score goals.”
Mphela added that experienced players who are also proven goalscorers could add value to the squad. “We have the same type of players like Percy Tau and Thabiso Kutumela who want the ball more to their feet,” Mphela added. “They want to take defenders on, and they want to play in small pocket spaces.
“What if it’s going to be those games where you have to put the ball in the box? Who are we going to use then?
“To be honest, a player like Ruzaig Gamaldien should be there. He shouldn’t be judged by his age, and he’s been consistent.
“I think even Bradley Grobler would help a bit because they are both those typical number nines.
Bafana Bafana face a trip to Zimbabwe for their first Group G opener on Friday before a clash against Ghana on September 6.
Bafana’s 23-man squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs)
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (Mamelodi Sundowns), Rushine De Reuck (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyanda Xulu (Haopel Tel Aviv, Israel), Thibang Phete (Belenenses, Portugal), Thabani Dube (Kaizer Chiefs), Sibusiso Mabiliso (Kaizer Chiefs)
Midfielders: Sipho Mbule (Supersport United), Teboho Mokoena (Supersport United), Mothobi Mvala (Mamelodi Sundowns), Njabulo Blom (Kaizer Chiefs) Ethan Brooks (TS Galaxy) Yusuf Maart (Sekhukhune United)
Forwards: Thabiso Kutumela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Maritzburg United), Gift Links (Aarhus, Denmark), Evidence Makgopa (Baroka FC), Victor Letsoalo (Royal AM), Luther Singh (FC Copenhagen, Denmark) & Percy Tau (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)
Online Reporter
Charles Duri