Broos defends decision to include Chiefs star in Bafana

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos defends his decision to include Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Mdantsane in his squad.

Bafana will face Eswatini on Friday at FNB Stadium and Broos says Mdantsane is used to relieve and as back up for Themba Zwane.

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Mdantsane trained with Bafana on Monday after he was brought in by Broos to replace Percy Tau who is out of camp owing to personal reasons.

The 29-year-old Al Ahly striker, Tau, 29, has pulled out of the upcoming friendlies. He netted four goals for the Red Devils in two games in the Egyptian Premier League and Mdantsane’s inclusion has been met with mixed reactions.

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BROOS DEFENDS DECISION TO INCLUDE MDANTSANE

Some football fans have questioned Mdantsane’s inclusion in Bafana squad as he is not a regular starter at Chiefs under coach Molefi Ntseki.

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“I think last time I said when we talked about the replacement of Themba Zwane (who was left blooded in the face in the last camp and pulled out), we knew that Themba is at a certain age, we have to look for the future,” Broos said at the HPC per Idiski Times.

“But we have someone behind him, certainly also for the AFCON. At his age I don’t think every game every three days he can play for the hundred percent of Themba.

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“So you need someone there (to take the load too), you need solutions. (Mdu) was on our list, so now because Percy Tau (is out), we had two choices – to take another winger or we took the opportunity to have someone maybe in the future who can be a replacement for Themba.”

HUGO ON DECISION TO INCLUDE CHIEFS ATTACKER IN BAFANA

While the former Cape Town City midfielder is yet to score for Chiefs in 11 games this current term, Broos believes in the 28-year-old’s abilities.

“And that is why he (Mdu) is there. Okay I said what I said (about Themba in the past overlooking him), but stop now with that,” he added.

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“I just choose players not because they are at Sundowns, not because they are at Chiefs or Orlando Pirates, I don’t choose them because they are in those teams – I just choose because I need them and they are the best at that moment in that position, that’s all.” 

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