Former Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khanye has lashed out at the make-up of the Bafana Bafana squad for the CHAN qualifier against Egypt, hinting at the role of agents.
Bafana, coached by Helman Mkhalele, are set to play a two-legged CHAN qualifier against Egypt on Friday and on March 9.
"It's clear that players' agents played a significant role in these selections," says Khanye, matter-of-factly.
READ: Phillip is here! Pirates dynamo gets nod just in time
"Bongani Sam was injured for six months, and we haven't seen him since he joined [Kaizer] Chiefs. Monnapule Saleng has his own problems at Orlando Pirates. We aren't even sure about his future.
"Yes, we have seen what [Monnapule] Saleng can do in the past, but for me, CHAN is a platform to showcase young and promising talented players.
"Why is Sphelele Mkhulise not in the team? Why is Sipho Mbule not there? Where is Thabo Moloisane from Stellenbosch? They should give Mohau Nkotha a chance.
"Jody February, where has he played? Is he going to be our goalkeeper after playing only one game at his club this season? Why not choose Ricardo Goss instead? Where is Emile Witbooi, the U20 Player of the Tournament? Give the likes of Mduduzi Shabalala a chance to prove themselves.
"I'm glad they've called up Neo Maema, he deserves to be there. In fact, he is the only player who truly deserves this call-up. Kutlwano Letlhaku also deserves recognition. As for the rest, where did Helman Mkhalele find these players? Do they actually assess the players, or do they just rely on databases?" he adds.
Khanye suggests the national U23 squad should have been selected to represent South Africa in the qualifiers, especially with continuity in mind.
"That would have pushed them out of their comfort zones at an early age.
READ: How PSL will deal with load-shedding embarrassment
"As a country, we have a lot to address. I don't believe some of these players in this team have a future with the real Bafana Bafana. Agents have played a significant role in this selection, and I am disappointed with the national team selectors. It's disheartening because these players are unlikely to progress.
"Some of them are not even national team material, and I don't know what they have done to earn a call-up.
"Hugo Broos and Helman Mkhalele need to be realistic and consider the future of the country. They have players in Bafana Bafana who get called up but do not receive game-time. Those are the players who should have been selected for this game.
"This squad feels like a waste of resources."