Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has explained why he is unhappy with Orlando Pirates over midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi, who has now been withdrawn from the national camp.
Broos' charges have begun their preparations for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on Friday. The 23-man squad reported for camp on Monday in Polokwane, where the match will be played (New Peter Mokaba Stadium).
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However, the head coach was forced into making late changes to the squad after being informed that Maswanganyi could not report to camp due to injury.
The Belgian mentor was particularly unhappy with the timing of the call, arguing Pirates could have communicated earlier.
"Maswanganyi, I'm a bit angry because we only knew yesterday (Sunday) evening, and from what I heard, he was already injured on Saturday," Broos said in the pre-match press conference on Monday.
"So, he couldn't play yesterday, so we had to look for someone else today.
"The first choice was (Sinoxolo) Kwayiba from Chippa (United), but he's also injured, his knee. Therefore, we have this guy here on the left, Ndamulele [Maphangule]. Same as Thabo (Cele), he's had good performances and deserves to be here with us.
"It's up to him to make us happy and to confirm (prove) why we have selected him for the national team," added Broos.
The 72-year-old coach revealed the reason behind his disappointment with Bucs.
"If my information is right, he was injured in training. Everyone knew he was in the national team and, at that moment, a little call, to say: 'Look, I'm injured, I can't play tomorrow, I can't be in the camp', that gives us more time to look for another player.
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"So, this morning, with all the other problems, we had to call him (Maphangule). We are lucky that he lives in Polokwane. Imagine of he has to come from Chippa or wherever, then we have to wait until tomorrow.
"So, just give the information. They (Pirates) didn't have to call me, they could call the (team) doctor! Say: 'Look, there's a problem with Patrick, blah blah, blah, he is not ready for the camp'.
"But now we had to wait, wait, and 7 or 8 o'clock I get a call from the team manager saying Patrick is injured, that's why he was not in the list of players of the game yesterday.
"What's wrong with giving information to a doctor if they don't want to give it to me? Call the doctor, it's so easy and helps us a lot when we know in the right moment."
Bafana take on Lesotho on Friday (18:00).