Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has refused to explain the omission of in-form duo Thembinkosi Lorch and Bradley Grobler from his latest national team squad.

Broos’ side face a decisive period in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, but questions have mounted over the absence of two of South Africa’s best-performing players. Lorch has impressed for Wydad Casablanca in Morocco, providing three goal contributions, including a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over CODM Meknes last weekend.

Grobler, meanwhile, leads the PSL scoring charts with six goals for Sekhukhune United, tied with Mamelodi Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners.

Pressed on the pair’s exclusion, Broos declined to elaborate. “Every selection you can mention players who are not there, and I don’t like to give explanations every time,” he said.

“We have many good players now, I can make two, even three teams. I’m not going to explain every time why Grobler or Lorch isn’t there. This is the selection, and that’s it.”

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender David Kannemeyer, believes Grobler’s form warrants inclusion. “If the squad is picked on merit, he should be there,” Kannemeyer said to FARPost. “He’s still scoring goals and his experience could help the group.”

Grobler, who last played for Bafana in 2019, admitted he’s sceptical about being recalled. “I believe I can score as many goals as I want in this league, even 100, but I don’t think Broos will change his mind about me,” Grobler said.

“It’s tough to accept, but I’ll keep pushing and fighting regardless, mentally, I do have that thing in my head where I just don’t think it’s going to be real.”

Photo: Lubabalo Lesolle/Gallo Images