Cape Town - If ever there was an example of a footballer kicking down the selection door, it was provided on Friday when Mitchells Plain’s Abbubaker Mobara was named in the Bafana Bafana squad.
The SA national football team’s head coach, Shakes Mashaba, announced his squad for two upcoming fixtures: on September 2, Bafana host Mauritania in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit; on September 6, they are back in action to face Egypt in the 22nd edition of the Nelson Mandela Challenge friendly at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Both games are scheduled to kick off at 7.05pm.
The disappointment, though, is that Bafana have only pride to play in the Afcom qualifier. As it stands in the group, Cameroon have 11 points, followed by Mauritania on seven, Bafana on six and Gambia on two points. Unfortunately, Mashaba’s side is out of the running for the continental event to be hosted by Gabon next year. As a result, it is evident the coach has opted for a young squad with an eye on the World Cup qualifiers later this year.
Mobara, after a meritorious performance in shutting out Brazil star Neymar at the Rio Olympics, has forced his way into the senior squad. While the U23s crashed out of the global sporting show in Rio earlier this month, the performance against Brazil endeared the players to many - and, as such, Mashaba has included a host of U23s in his squad for Bafana’s next two games against Mauritania and Egypt. In addition to Mobara, Mashaba has also included youngsters Rivaldo Coetzee, Keagan Dolly, Deolin Mekoa, Gift Motupa and Aubrey Modiba from the squad that did duty at the Olympics.
Mobara, who came through the ranks of Ajax Cape Town’s acclaimed youth academy, has been a consistent performer since his elevation to the Cape side’s PSL squad. So much so, his ability was recognised by Soweto giants Orlando Pirates, and they duly signed the 22-year-old utility star two months ago. Now, after transferring his stellar club form to the SA U23s and coming to world prominence at the Olympics, he has an opportunity to continue his progress with Bafana.
“It has been very difficult trying to pick the team because most of the players are still busy with pre-season, only a handful has matches under their belts,” said Mashaba.
“We had to rely mainly on what the players can do from past experiences. It was a tough call, but we had to do it. Fortunately, some clubs have been playing in pre-season cup competitions, which is very encouraging.”
Despite the fact that Bafana are out of the running as far as Afcon qualification is concerned, Mashaba said: “When it comes to the national team, there is no match that doesn’t serve a purpose. We are fortunate we have two back-to-back to matches which will assist us in helping prepare for the all-important start of the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, where we are away to Burkina Faso in the opening match less than a month after we play Egypt. And, thereafter, we will be hosting Senegal in the second match - these games are crucial because a good start is vital in the qualifiers.
“We learnt our lesson in the Afcon qualifiers that a good start is key. The good thing is that the matches are just a month apart and by that time our players will have gained momentum from the league season, so the matches against Mauritania and Egypt will prepare us well.”
From a Cape perspective, Coetzee has been joined by Ajax teammate Prince Nxumalo, Cape Town City winger Modiba has been given the nod, while experienced Bishop Lavis defender Clayton Daniels retains his place in the Bafana squad.
BAFANA SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Jackson Mabokgwane (Orlando Pirates), Reyaad Pieterse (SuperSport United)
Defenders: Ramalhwe Mphahlele (Kaizer Chiefs), Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town), Thulani Hlatshwayo (Wits), Abbubaker Mobara (Orlando Pirates), Sififo Hlanti (Wits), Tebogo Langerman (Mamelodi Sundowns), Clayton Daniels (SuperSport United), Denwin Farmer (SuperSport United)
Midfielders: Dean Furman (SuperSport United), Andile Jali (KV Oostende, Belgium), Deolin Mekoa (Maritzburg United), Mandla Masango (Randers, Denmark), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Keagan Dolly (Mamelodi Sundowns), Aubrey Modiba (Cape Town City), Mpho Makola (Orlando Pirates), Hlompho Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Strikers: Gift Motupa (Orlando Pirates), Thamsanqa Gabuza (Orlando Pirates), Sibusiso Vilakazi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Tokelo Rantie (Bournemouth, England), Prince Nxumalo (Ajax Cape Town)
Weekend Argus