Shabalala among Chiefs trio in youthful preliminary Bafana squad

KAIZER Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma, attacking midfielders Yusuf Maart and Mduduzi Shabalala have been included in coach Hugo Broos' preliminary 41-man Bafana Bafana squad for two international friendlies in June.

- HERMAN GIBBS

In the past few months, players from the country's most storied club have battled to find favour with the national team coach.

This time, however, the absence of Mamelodi Sundowns players may have opened the way.

Broos decided that Sundowns players must prepare for the Fifa Club World Cup in the United States, from June 14 to July 13.

Broos had expressed a desire to absorb fresh prospects into the team during this international window, asserting his vision of injecting renewed vigour into South African football. The selection includes several Under-20 talents.

The emphasis on youth reflects Broos’ ambition to foster a dynamic squad capable of competing on the world stage in the coming years.

The squad is set to assemble in Johannesburg on Sunday, June 1, before making their way to Polokwane later that day.