Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Phelelani Mpangase says Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi’s omission from the latest Bafana Bafana squad is the right call.

Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane cut his preliminary group of 38 players down to a final 27 on Thursday. Sibisi was one of the 12 names left out ahead of the crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Kenya. South Africa host Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars at the Orlando Amstel Arena on 13 November before travelling to Nairobi four days later.

Mpangase, who is currently completing his coaching badges, spoke to KickOff and backed the decision. He pointed out that the return of USA-based centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi from injury forced Mosimane to make tough choices. “Since Mbekezeli Mbokazi has returned from injury, someone obviously had to make way,” he said. “We all know how important Mbokazi is to the country. If we consider the 2026 World Cup, Sibisi played only one match.”

The former Downs defender also highlighted the form of Pirates teammate Lebone Seema. He believes Seema has earned his place through strong club performances this season. “If you look at club-level performances, you will agree that Lebone Seema deserves his place in the national team ahead of Sibisi,” Mpangase explained. “Seema has been performing very well in defence for Pirates. We understand that Sibisi is the Pirates captain and that the team is doing well under his leadership, but individual performance is also very important.”

Mpangase went further on the technical side of the game. He feels Sibisi is better suited to defensive setups but struggles when Bafana need to build slowly from the back. “You mainly need Sibisi when applying defensive tactics, but you cannot do that against teams such as Kenya. When I consider the way Bafana play, Sibisi is not comfortable with slow build-up play from the back. He is different from the technically sound Seema, who can find a striker with a ground pass.”

He added that national team coaches will never please everyone because football remains a game of opinion. The inclusion of emerging talents Ime Okon and Olwethu Makhanya alongside Mbokazi and Seema left no room for the experienced Pirates skipper this time around.

With Bafana sitting top of their group after wins over Guinea and Eritrea, Mosimane has prioritised players who fit his current style for the Kenya tests. Sibisi will continue leading Pirates in the Betway Premiership while the national team focuses on securing maximum points in the double-header.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2118774710364188682?a=9IiKSm9tRD9yPPOgBv0&s=19