Why Hugo Broos opted for Iqraam Rayners over Tshegofatso Mabasa

The Belgian has revealed he had to make a strategic choice between Mabasa and Stellenbosch striker Iqraam Rayners, both of whom had impressive 2023/24 seasons.

Broos, who named his final 23-man squad to face Nigeria and Zimbabwe in back-to-back 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next week, had Rayners in the previous camp and thereby opted for consistency over form.

"Okay, I don't think that I had to take him [Mabasa] now because I also have Iqraam, who also scored 15 goals – it's one goal difference," defended the 72-year-old.

"So I give the confidence to Iqraam now, and it was a decision of him or Mabasa. But Iqraam did very well in the game against Algeria, he scored easily, so I gave him the confidence now and it's up to him to prove it [his worth] certainly."

Broos also recalled that he had previously worked with Mabasa, but he was not happy with the former Moroka Swallows attacker's showing in the team then, although he admits the 27-year-old is at a different level now.

"Look, we had a bad experience with Mabasa two years ago. The last time he was with us it was a disaster – I had to change him after 35 minutes and everybody said it was a scandal," Broos further explained. 

"Mabasa didn’t reach the level he had to reach for the national team. He’s not the same player anymore, but you see what happened between January and the last game he played for Bafana two years ago – that was not good.

"We will follow Mabasa next season; let’s hope he continues what he did – scoring goals in the last four months. Then we will have another striker."

Bafana take on the Super Eagles in Uyo on Friday evening (21:00) before hosting The Warriors at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein next Tuesday (18:00).

READ: Mabasa plays down his omission from Bafana Bafana squad