Hugo Broos has explained the absence of Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng from the latest Bafana Bafana squad that will be reporting for camp on Monday.
Bafana are set for two matches against Uganda and South Sudan within the next eight days in a bid for a spot in next year's AFCON.
They are in Group K of the qualifiers for the continental competition and will be drawing confidence from clinching a bronze medal at the previous competition.
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Ahead of the two matches, Broos had named a 38-man preliminary squad that he has now trimmed downs to a final 23-man squad.
Alongside Percy Tau and Ronwen Williams - who missed out due to an injury - somewhat of a surprise omission was that of Saleng.
The 26-year-old has been vital for the Buccaneers this season so far, featuring in all five matches across all competitions.
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However, Broos feels it's too early to tell if the winger has truly bounced back from last season's slump that saw him contribute just five goals and five assists.
"Saleng had a very irregular season last year. He promised a lot the year before, but now, he disappointed a little bit. I just want to see Saleng going back to his old shape two years ago when he scored goals and was assisting for Pirates.
"At a certain moment, he was one of the best strikers in the country. But the coach put him on the bench last season. But it is a new season now and let's hope it will be the same Saleng that we know and we need," said Broos.
South Africa will host Uganda on Friday before travelling to Northeast Africa to take on South Sudan next week Tuesday.