A number of Kaizer Chiefs supporters took to social media to express their frustration after only one Amakhosi player was included in Bafana Bafana’s final squad for the FIFA World Cup.
Defender Bradley Cross was the only Chiefs player to make Hugo Broos’ final 26-man squad.
Amakhosi stars, Brandon Petersen, Thabiso Monyane and Lebohang Maboe were among the other players who failed to make the cut.
The 25-year-old Cross is also one of only two uncapped players selected, alongside Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya.
Chiefs players left out again in Bafana squad
Chiefs players have largely been overlooked by Broos in recent years.
During the World Cup qualifying campaign, no Amakhosi players featured regularly for Bafana Bafana, while the club also had no representatives in the squads for the 2023 and 2025 AFCON tournaments.
Adding to the frustration among Chiefs fans, Broos selected eight players from rivals Orlando Pirates in his final squad.
The Belgian tactician opted to rely on a core group of players he has trusted throughout his tenure.
Supporters quickly reacted online following the squad announcement.
Chiefs fans slam Bafana coach
@ChosenDick247 wrote: “Sad, sad, sad. No Brandon Petersen. Hugo’s hate for Kaizer Chiefs runs deep.”
@Sibuzakes posted: “That coach has something against Kaizer Chiefs players. He hates them with passion.”
Meanwhile, @MpseSimon tweeted: “Kaizer Chiefs fans wanted him to hijack the success of other players, and the old man Broos said: ‘Over my dead body.’”
Another supporter, @Mashesha_RSA, wrote: “Brandon Petersen is the only Kaizer Chiefs player who deserves to be part of the Bafana Bafana team. He worked very hard and proved himself.”
Bafana will open their World Cup campaign against Mexico national football team at the iconic Estadio Azteca on 11 June. The are in Group A alongside Mexico, Czech Republic and South Korea.
Here’s the final 26-man Bafana World Cup squad
Goalkeepers:
Williams, Goss, Chaine
Defence:
Mudau, Sibisi, Okon, Ndamane, Modiba, Kabini, Matuludi, Makhanya, Sebelebele, Cross, Mbokazi,
Midfielders:
Mokoena, Mbatha, Sithole, Adams,
Forwards:
Appollis, Rayners, Moremi, Mofokeng, Makgopa, Zwane, Foster, Maseko
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