Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has announced that six players who narrowly missed out on Bafana Bafana’s final FIFA World Cup squad will travel to Mexico to support the national team during their opening match against the hosts on June 11.
Working in partnership with Old School, McKenzie confirmed that goalkeepers Brandon Petersen and Brooklyn Poggenpoel, midfielders Patrick Maswanganyi and Lebohang Maboe, as well as defenders Thabiso Monyane and Thapelo Morena, will be flown to Mexico to attend the historic fixture at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The six players were part of coach Hugo Broos’ preliminary squad and contributed to South Africa’s successful qualification campaign before being omitted from the final selection.McKenzie said the gesture was aimed at recognising their efforts and ensuring they remain part of the team’s journey.“They were part of this journey. They remain part of the family,” he said.
The announcement comes at a challenging time for South African football, with ongoing tensions between the Department of Sport and the South African Football Association (SAFA) over visa delays that have affected the team’s travel arrangements.
Despite the setbacks, the minister expressed confidence that national unity and support would remain strong as Bafana Bafana prepare for their World Cup campaign.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
