Bafana Bafana are barking up the wrong tree

There are plenty of advocates for using South American players in the Bafana Bafana side but Orlando Pirates have something to say about that.

Why should Sirino and Ribeiro be preferred over young South African stars?

If anything, we should be gunning for the opposite. Prioritize giving young South African players a chance to shine and let them become a coherent team, growing together in parallel. Why limit game time for potential generations talents like Relebohile Mofokeng to fast-track players like Gaston Sirino (who’s 33 years old) and Lucas Ribeiro Costa, a player who’s impressed but is far from the finished article? Also, remember that Costa needs to prove his mettle for at least two full campaigns.

An Orlando Pirates core for Bafana is the right call for now

Hugo Broos would be remiss not to construct his current Bafana side using a spine of Pirates players. Rewarding form and momentum is important. Thabiso Sesane, Thalente Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng should all be starting games for their country because their form warrants it. What type of message would it send if the Bafana technical staff tried to rope players like Sirino and Ribeiro into the fold? 26-year-old Brazilian Costa is in his prime years and already a veteran of league football in Brazil, France, Belgium and now South Africa. He’s not going to get much better than he is now, and he’s not ever going to get into the Brazil side. What’s the point of trying to shoehorn him into the Bafana side?

Mamelodi Sundowns Lucas Ribeiro Costa DStv Premiership — Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates a goal during the Betway Premiership 2023/24 match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Bucs players representing

As many as eight Bucs stars could be in action for their nations over the Afcon break. Six are with the Bafana squad, namely Evidence Makgopa, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Chaine, Thalente Mbatha and Nkosinathi Sibisi. New signing Gilberto is with Angola while reliable utility man Deon Hotto will hope to add to his impressive tally of 65 caps for Namibia.

Orlando Pirates bafana — Relebohile Mofokeng. Image: BackpagePix

Do you think Costa and Sirino should be considered by Bafana?

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