Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has once again defended his decision to overlook Kaizer Chiefs players in his latest 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
This is not the first time the Belgian tactician has named a national team list without a single Amakhosi representative, and he has remained firm on his stance that the Soweto giants simply haven’t been good enough in recent seasons.
Kaizer Chiefs Still Struggling to Convince
Speaking on SABC Sport, Broos revealed that he personally attended Chiefs’ 1-1 draw with AmaZulu at FNB Stadium last week, but left the encounter unconvinced by what he witnessed.
“Okay, maybe people will be angry at me again, but I was at the Chiefs game yesterday and Chiefs didn’t play a good game, I’m sorry,” Broos said.
When reminded that Amakhosi created several opportunities on the night, the coach dismissed the argument, saying his standards were different.
“What is a chance? A shot on goal is a chance? Maybe I’m different in how I evaluate games, but I can’t say I saw a good game yesterday. I want to see more games where they show fight and play against quality teams,” he added.
Broos Praises Pirates and Balanced PSL Season
While critical of Chiefs, Broos welcomed the shift in balance within the DStv Premiership. He noted that Mamelodi Sundowns were no longer running away with the title as early as in previous seasons, with Orlando Pirates emerging as strong challengers.
“You don’t see anymore the dominance of Sundowns. Last year, already by this time, you could say Sundowns would be champions again. Now you can’t tell,” Broos explained.
The coach had special praise for Pirates, who contributed eight players to his squad.
“Pirates play very good now. They have a big pool of players where they can make changes anytime, and that is good for South African football,” Broos said.
Broos Stands Firm on Amakhosi
Broos’s stance on Chiefs is consistent with his past remarks. The 74-year-old has long criticized Amakhosi’s inability to rise to the standards expected of one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
The fact that no Chiefs players made the final squad once again underlines his position that the Glamour Boys still have plenty to prove before their stars can be considered for Bafana Bafana.
With World Cup qualification on the line, Broos made it clear that only players performing at the highest level will earn a place in his team and for now, that does not include anyone from Naturena.
Related article: Hugo Broos: “Stop the Blame Game, Focus on Winning”
