South African national team coach Hugo Broos has commented on the snubbing of Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa from the latest Bafana Bafana squad, in favour of Iqraam Rayners and Lyle Foster.
Bafana's next task is a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier clash against Republic of Congo to be in Gqeberha next Friday, followed by the return leg away on 15 October.
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Broos announced his 23-man squad, trimmed down from 33, on Thursday, dominated by Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates players.
The Bucs pair of Mabasa and Makgopa, despite a combined five-goal contribution so far this season, have had the door shut on their faces.
This, in favour of Rayners, who has netted four times in all competitions for The Brazilians since joining from Stellenbosch FC, and Lyle Foster, who scored in the qualifier against Uganda as Bafana drew 2-2.
"I think I have to ask you a question for those who think Mabasa has to be with us, who do I take out? Iqraam? Lyle Foster?" an unmoved Broos fired back on SABC Sport when asked about Mabasa's absence.
"Iqraam scores goals. He moved from Stellenbosch to Mamelodi Sundowns, he scores and doesn't stop scoring goals. Mabasa is not like Rayners."
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"In the case of Makgopa, I always have confidence in Makgopa and I never understood why Makgopa was playing such a little number of games [at Pirates].
"You saw it at AFCON, Makgopa is a very good striker. Now for the moment, okay, there is another one. Mabasa, I can't say [to Jose Riveiro]: 'No, you have to put Makgopa'. No, Mabasa is scoring. That's the problem for Makgopa now for the moment."