The inclusion of custodian Thakasani Mbanjwa in Bafana Bafana's preliminary squad has been justified by Ashley Makhanya, an assistant coach with the Golden Arrows. Makhanya argues that performance, not club reputation or stature, should determine national team selection.

In South Africa's next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benni McCarthy's Kenya, Mbanjwa has been included to the preliminary team by head coach Pitso Mosimane.

As Bafana Bafana get ready for their next international assignments, the Golden Arrows goalie is one of four goalkeepers appointed to a four-man squad that also includes Ricardo Goss, Ronwen Williams, and Sipho Chaine.

Makhanya was pleased with the acknowledgement and said that Mbanjwa's selection was a reflection of his skill and the talent at Golden Arrows.

The Golden Arrows have earned their call-ups, and we couldn't be happier about it. That's based on merit," Makhanya said.

The club has recently received attention, as the assistant coach noted, with Mbanjwa's participation after Van Neel's prior selection to Bafana Bafana's preliminary squad.

It doesn't matter whether a player plays for one of South Africa's historically successful clubs; what matters is that they consistently impress national team selectors, as seen by the frequent selection of Golden Arrows players, according to Makhanya.

"Mbanjwa is in the preliminary squad this time, whereas last time it was Van Neel," he said.

Makhanya voiced his desire for the trend to continue, stressing that deserving players should be given equal chance to play for their nation.

"We want it keeps going. Finally, what matters is how well you do. "A person will be chosen if he demonstrates strong tactical abilities," he said.

His most forceful argument was against the idea that football players may increase their prospects of becoming famous on a global scale by signing with one of South Africa's top teams.

The national team may still include you even if you don't sign with a "big club," Makhanya said.

The custodian Mbanjwa and the Golden Arrows have celebrated a watershed occasion with his call-up, which highlights the significance of a merit-based selection system in South African football.

As Bafana Bafana get ready for their next qualifiers, players from all around the Betway Premiership will be putting their best foot forward in the hopes of earning a spot on the national team from coach Mosimane and his technical staff.

Source;https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2114644766080000146