Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has outlined his expectations for the
three standby players—Mduduzi Shabalala, Iqraam Rayners, and Thabo
Moloisane—who narrowly missed selection for the 25-man squad traveling to
Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations.
While Broos has named a squad featuring emerging talents like Tylon Smith
and Shandre Campbell, alongside returning figures Elias Mokwana and
Relebohile Mofokeng, the experienced trio of Shabalala, Rayners, and
Moloisane will remain on high alert at home.
The omission of Rayners is particularly notable, given the Mamelodi Sundowns
striker has been a regular in the setup over the past 18 months. He finds
himself behind Evidence Makgopa and Lyle Foster in the final pecking order.
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs’ Shabalala, who recently made his international
debut, was also edged out due to the depth of attacking options.
Explaining the role of the standby players, Broos emphasized the need for
readiness. “It’s very important that we have players who know that if there
is an injury or whatever, we can count on them,” the Belgian coach stated.
“We will ask them to stay in shape, to train, and to keep in good condition
because anything can happen and we have to be prepared.”
Broos also clarified why the trio will not travel with the main group
initially. “I don’t want to take them with me because then every day you are
with 28 players in training sessions, and it’s not so easy to work with.
That’s why I will ask them to standby.”
He added a note of mixed hope: “Let’s hope that we don’t need them because
that will mean we have a problem. On the other hand, I hope there will be a
possibility for them to still come to Morocco.”
Bafana Bafana are set to begin their final preparations this week, with
Orlando Pirates players joining the camp after Saturday’s Carling Knockout
final.
