Five players Hugo Broos could likely to include in Bafana Bafana's World Cup squad

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos submitted his FIFA World Cup preliminary squad to FIFA on Monday, meaning he has all but decided on the final squad that will represent the team at the tournament next month.

Selecting the preliminary squad could not have been easy for the Belgian mentor. Several players in the PSL top flight, as well as leagues abroad, have raised their hands this season, helping their teams achieve their respective targets.

Below, we look at some names Broos has likely included in the squad, given their impressive performances since the start of the season.

Brandon Petersen – Kaizer Chiefs

Petersen has enjoyed an impressive season with Chiefs. He has kept 14 clean sheets in 23 matches, playing a crucial role in Amakhosi qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

His clean sheets have been a product of hard work. Petersen has shown impressive ground and aerial ability, thanks to his reading of the game and knowing when to commit and react in duels as the last line of defence.

The goalkeeper’s ability to rise to the occasion has already earned praise from respected members of the football fraternity, with Bafana’s all-time leading goalscorer Benni McCarthy also backing him to make the final squad.

Lebone Seema – Orlando Pirates

Seema arrived as a relatively unknown figure at Pirates this season following a spell at TS Galaxy. However, he has gone about his business in style, playing a key role in the team’s pursuit of a domestic treble this season, including the Betway Premiership title.

The Alexandra-born footballer has shown incredible maturity at the heart of Pirates’ defence, complementing Mbekezeli Mbokazi and captain Nkosinathi Sibisi well. He can cover spaces, track opponents, execute passes and score goals.

Seema’s impressive form comes at a time when Bafana will need a quality centre-back pairing, especially with Siyabonga Ngezana recently returning from injury after being sidelined earlier this year.

Thembinkosi Lorch – Al-Ittihad

Lorch has been in top form since joining Libyan giants Al-Ittihad, scoring one goal and providing one assist in five league matches.

His involvement in the team setup has also been notable. He operates well in the right channels, helping the team move as a unit through his ability to scan his surroundings and link up play.

Broos initially said Lorch did not have a future with the national team and that he would never consider selecting him again. However, he now appears to have had a change of heart, recently applauding Lorch’s impressive form, although he maintains that he already has a talented squad.

Gift Links – Aarhus Gymnastikforening

Links recently won the Danish league title with Aarhus Gymnastikforening. His contribution to the campaign was notable, scoring three goals and registering five assists.

His ability to make quick runs in attack, take on defenders and link up play has made him stand out. As a result, he has been nominated for the Danish Superliga Player of the Season award.

Whenever Broos was asked about including Links in the squad, he claimed they already had enough wingers. But given his current form, the Bafana coach may have reconsidered.

Thapelo Morena – Mamelodi Sundowns

Morena sustained an injury during the 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs and was subsequently sidelined for the 7-4 victory over Siwelele in the team’s penultimate match of the season.

However, if he returns to full fitness ahead of the global showpiece, he deserves to travel with the team. He provides excellent cover for Khuliso Mudau at Sundowns and has proven his versatility at international level.

The football fraternity is rallying behind Morena to regain full fitness and secure a place in the final squad for the FIFA World Cup.