Hugo Broos Sends Message to Basadien and Kwayiba After Bafana Bafana Squad Omission

• Hugo Broos has explained his decision to drop Mamelodi Sundowns' Fawaaz Basadien and Orlando Pirates' Sinoxolo Kwayiba from his Bafana Bafana squad
• The two South African internationals made Broos' squad during the last international break, but were not good enough to make the list for the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria
• The two Premier Soccer League stars changed clubs this summer and it has affected their chances in the national team

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has addressed Fawaaz Basadien and Sinoxolo Kwayiba following their exclusion from the 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.

The 73-year-old initially included both players in his 48-man preliminary squad, but they both missed out on the final list, which was announced on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

Basadien captained Bafana Bafana during the last international break against Tanzania, which ended goalless. However, since changing clubs this summer, he has failed to impress the national team coach.

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Kwayiba also featured in the last international break as he played Themba Zwane's role in Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 win over Mozambique.

Broos speaks on Basadien, Kwayiba's omission

Broos, speaking about his squad selection, jumped on the exclusion of Basadien and Orlando Pirates' new signing, Kwayiba.

He claimed that the issue of adapting quickly at their new clubs cost them their place in the Bafana Bafana squad.

“This applies to every player, take Fawaaz for example, or even Kwayiba at Pirates,” said coach Hugo Broos.

“When you move to a new club, the first challenge is adapting. Each club has different rules, a different style of play; it’s not the same as where you came from.”

The Belgian mentor went on to explain Basadien's issue since joining Sundowns this summer from Stellenbosch FC.

“I think that’s been Fawaaz’s issue. He arrived, didn’t perform well initially, and lost his place in the team. Even yesterday (against Kaizer Chiefs), he was subbed off early. For me, it’s now a matter of confidence,” he added.

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“There’s a clear difference between the Fawaaz we see now and the one from last year. As a coach, you have to make tough decisions. That’s why I opted for someone like Kabini, who’s consistently playing for Molde."

Broos admitted that deciding to go for Kabini rather than Basadien is a tough choice for him and hopes the former Stellenbosch FC star works hard to win back his place in the squad.

“I know Kabini is match-fit and ready. It's a difficult call because Fawaaz has always been part of our setup. But imagine Fawaaz comes with us, doesn’t play well, and people ask, ‘Why not Kabini?’ and they’d be right because he’s playing regularly," he concluded.

"These are the tough choices we face, but I hope Fawaaz keeps working hard to win back his place.”

Broos speaks on dropping Sundowns quartet

Briefly News also reported that Hugo Broos explained the reason he decided to drop four Sundowns stars from his Bafana Bafana squad.

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Broos names final Bafana squad for WCQ, Chiefs star in, Sundowns trio miss out

The former Cameroon national team coach dropped Basadien, Jayden Adams, Khuliso Mudau, and Thapelo Morena from his final list for the Lesotho and Nigeria clashes.

Source: Briefly News