Former Bafana Bafana assistant coach Owen Da Gama has revealed his shock at the absence of centre-back and TS Galaxy captain Given Msimango from the national team.
Head coach Hugo Broos named a 35-man strong preliminary Bafana Bafana squad at the start of march for upcoming Afcon qualifiers and to the surprise of many, Msimango was a notable absentee. The former South Africa youth international has been in stellar form this season.
Granted, The Rockets sit 7th in the Premiership table, Msimango's side still boast the second-tightest defence in the league; with just 12 goals conceded in 23 matches, only behind Sundowns' nine goals conceded.
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TS Galaxy have also lost just five games this season, only Sundowns have a better defensive record of two losses, making the non-selection of Galaxy's defensive players, including goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi, all the more puzzling.
"It's a bit shocking, I'm actually very surprised that he [Msimango] is not in the Bafana Bafana team," Da Gama told KickOff.
"I feel for him a bit, [because] normally when you look for players in that position for the national team, you look at two attributes: height and speed, Sphiwe [Msimango] ticks all the boxes and is intelligent as well, good on his feet.
Msimango has played every minute of every match for Galaxy this season and has been a crucial part of the Rockets' near-impermeable defence. Msimango and Da Gama previously worked together at Highlands Park.
"He [Msimango] is a perfect professional, not injury prone and looks after himself. In terms of numbers as well, between him and [Pogiso] Sanoka, you have some of the best defending in the league."
Galaxy head coach Sead Ramovic has thrown his support behind the 26-year-old centre-back's bid for a first national team cap.
"Given [Msimango] is a role model, [in] how he trains and how he plays," Ramovic said in February.
"To be honest, Given is one of the best central defenders in South Africa. I think he really, really deserves to get a [Bafana Bafana] call-up.
"I'm not the [Bafana Bafana] coach but I would wish that he also gets a chance to show himself in the national team."
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