Kopo expresses concern about Kwayiba amid Bafana call-up

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Chippa United head coach Kwanele Kopo has expressed concern about the club’s midfielder Sinoxolo Kwayiba amid the player’s Bafana Bafana call-up.

Having been part of the previous squad, the former Pretoria Callies man got his second selection from coach Hugo Broos as South Africa is set to face Uganda and South Sudan in AFCON qualifiers next month.

Kwayiba made the initial 38-man squad, which will be reduced to 23 players next week.

Kopo says he and the club are excited about the player’s recognition at the national team and are hoping for more selections from Chippa in future.

Yet, Kopo is worried that Kwayiba hasn’t had a bright start to this campaign and hasn’t maintained the same level of performances as last season.

He hopes that the 24-year-old will improve to cement his place in Bafana.

Kwanele Kopo and Thabo September on the bench - Picture by Chippa United
Kwanele Kopo and Thabo September – Picture by Chippa United

WHAT WORRIES KOPO ABOUT SINOXOLO KWAYIBA DESPITE BAFANA BAFANA CALL-UP

“I think for Chippa United and for Kwayiba we are excited about his selection but at the same time it’s a long way for him to go you know he hasn’t been in the PSL for 18 months,” said Kopo.

“I think what Hugo is showing is that there’s potential and if he can be consistent and improve there is an opportunity for him to go to better places.

“He did well last season but this season isn’t we feel that he hasn’t really started on fire the same way he started last season but we’re happy for him.

“And we keep pushing him and hopefully um it’s gonna be difficult maybe now because he hasn’t played this last game going into the break.

But we appreciate that he’s in that pool of players we’re excited for him we’re excited for Chippa United as a club to begin to have players recognised in the national team

“And we will keep working and pursuing and hopefully we can have more not just at Bafana but also in the national teams.”

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