Golden Arrows assistant coach Ashley Makhanya has defended goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa’s inclusion in Bafana Bafana’s preliminary squad, insisting that national team selection should be based on performance rather than the size or reputation of a club.

Mbanjwa has earned a place in head coach Pitso Mosimane’s preliminary squad for South Africa’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Kenya, coached by Benni McCarthy.

The Golden Arrows goalkeeper was named alongside Ricardo Goss, Ronwen Williams and Sipho Chaine in a four-man goalkeeping group, highlighting the competition for places as Bafana Bafana prepare for their upcoming international assignments.

Makhanya welcomed the recognition, arguing that Mbanjwa’s selection reflects his performances and the quality of players at Golden Arrows.

“We are happy that a team like Golden Arrows, with all these quality players, they deserve these call-ups. It’s on merit,” Makhanya said.

The assistant coach also pointed out that Mbanjwa’s inclusion follows another recent recognition for the club, with Van Neel previously named in Bafana Bafana’s preliminary squad.

According to Makhanya, the repeated inclusion of Golden Arrows players demonstrates that consistent performances can attract the attention of national team selectors, regardless of whether a player represents one of South Africa’s traditionally dominant clubs.

“Last time, it was Van Neel who was in the preliminary squad and this time, it’s Mbanjwa,” he said.

Makhanya expressed hope that the trend would continue, emphasising that players who demonstrate quality and tactical discipline should have a genuine opportunity to represent their country.

“We hope that it continues. It’s about performance at the end of the day. If a guy performs at a good tactical level, he’ll be selected,” he added.

His strongest message was directed at the belief that players must join South Africa’s biggest clubs to improve their chances of earning international recognition.

“You don’t have to move to the so-called big club to be part of the national team,” Makhanya declared.

Mbanjwa’s call-up is a significant moment for both the goalkeeper and Golden Arrows, while reinforcing the importance of merit-based selection in South African football.

With Bafana Bafana preparing for their upcoming qualifiers, players across the Betway Premiership will be hoping their performances are enough to convince Mosimane and his technical team that they deserve a place in the national squad.

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