Broos Explains Mbule Snub, Tip Mofokeng To Play At 10
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says the decision to leave out Sipho Mbule was based purely on a lack of game time at club level with Orlando Pirates.
Mbule was not included in the squad announced on Thursday for the upcoming international friendlies against Panama. The two matches will be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 27 March and DHL Stadium on 31 March.
The attacking midfielder was also omitted from the preliminary squad, with a source suggesting concerns over both his lack of minutes and off-field issues. This comes despite Mbule featuring prominently as a number 10 during the recent Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco.
Sources indicate that Mbule’s chances of making the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are slim, with Broos reportedly dissatisfied with his recent club performances.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou is also believed to have grown frustrated with the player, while uncertainty surrounds Mbule’s future at Pirates as his contract nears its expiry at the end of the season.
“I think Sipho helped us a lot in the September/October World Cup qualifiers,” said Broos.
“He was really outstanding, but consistency is key. You can’t perform well for a few games and then suddenly drop off.
“He’s also not playing regularly at Pirates, and there must be a reason for that.”
These matches serve as South Africa’s final preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico, meaning omitted players face an uphill battle to force their way back into contention.
Meanwhile, Broos has recalled Themba Zwane after recovering from injury. Zwane last featured for Bafana Bafana against Congo Brazzaville in October 2024 during AFCON qualifiers, where he suffered an ACL injury that sidelined him for months.
With Zwane back fit, Broos also hinted at a positional change for Relebohile Mofokeng, whom he believes is better suited to a central attacking role rather than playing out wide.
“After Themba’s injury, we were searching for solutions in that position, but we didn’t find the right balance,” Broos explained.
“Now that he is fit again, there’s no reason not to bring him back. At the same time, we have Rele — and I believe we should push him into the number 10 role.
“He shouldn’t play on the wings. That may be a tactical decision at Pirates, but for the national team, I think he can be more effective in a central attacking position.”
