Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has continued to stick to his guns on Thembinkosi Lorch, with the preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup announced on Thursday.
Football lovers have been waiting with bated breath for the Bafana squad traveling to the global showpiece in USA, Mexico and Canada to be revealed, with the news coming out last week that the final squad will be announced at the Union Buildings on 27 May.
READ | Four Chiefs players named in Bafana's preliminary WC squad
In the meantime, a 32-man squad comprising of mostly the familiar names has been named.
As expected, Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has been included following several breathtaking performances since taking over from Bruce Bvuma this season.
Ime Okon, Siphephelo Sithole, Thapelo Maseko, and Evidence Makgopa are some of the other names who have made the list that is still to be trimmed down.
His omission from recent squads, especially following his strong showing at the FIFA Club World Cup 11 months ago, have been met with sharp criticism by certain sections of the fanbase.
He has since transferred to Al Ittihad in Libya from Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, and has already hit the ground running for his new club.
Now 32, he can play various positions in the attacking areas, including as a false nine, and famously scored for Bafana as they knocked out Egypt on their home turf at the 2019 AFCON.
READ | Ex-PSL coach: Why SAFA should convince Broos to stay
Broos has on several occasions addressed his persistent exclusion, saying he felt there were better players than the lad nicknamed 'Nyoso' in his team.
The reality is that the former Orlando Pirates star will be watching the World Cup from a distance, a decision that is sure to set tongues wagging in the coming days and months.
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Source: Kick Off
