Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has reacted to the surprise exclusion of Grant Kekana from the Bafana Bafana squad.
Bafana head coach Hugo Broos announced the 23-men squad that will face Uganda and South Sudan in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers later this month.
Sundowns defender Kekana is a notable absentee from the national team squad, as Broos opted to call-up former Kaizer Chiefs centre-back Siyabonga Ngezana.
Ngezana missed the previous camp for South Africa due to an injury. Bafana beat Congo Brazzaville 5-0 at home and played out to a 1-1 draw in the return fixture.
Meanwhile, Kekana has formed a formidable combination in the centre-back position for South Africa with his Downs teammate Mothobi Mvala.
Mvala and Kekana were crucial when Hugo Broos’ charges won the bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
WHAT DID MANQOBA MNGQITHI SAY ABOUT KEKANA’S ABSENCE FROM BAFANA BAFANA?
Despite proving to be an integral part of the Bafana in the recent few years, the 32-year-old has been dropped from the squad and Mngqithi says Broos must be allowed to choose any players of his choice.
“Grant is not injured; the coach probably just decided [to leave him out], but I think even in the previous FIFA break before the last one, he was out, and Ngezana was in the team. The last time, Ngezana didn’t come, and Grant played very well. I do believe that we should allow the coach to choose his team the way he wants it.” Mngqithi said.
In the current domestic season, Kekana has been a regular starter at Sundowns after featuring in 10 games in all competitions.
The ex-SuperSport United utility player will be looking to help Sundowns overcome Marumo Gallants in the semi-final of the 2024 Carling Knockout Cup at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Sunday, 10 November 2024. Kickoff is at 15h00.
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