Breaking News: McKenzie Sends Six Excluded Players to World Cup Opener
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has confirmed that the six players who missed out on Bafana Bafana’s final World Cup squad will travel to Mexico for the team’s opening match against the hosts.
In partnership with Old School, McKenzie will send goalkeepers Brandon Petersen and Brooklyn Poggenpoel, midfielders Patrick Maswanganyi and Lebohang Maboe, and defenders Thabiso Monyane and Thapelo Morena to support the team at the Estadio Azteca on June 11.
The six players were part of Hugo Broos’ preliminary squad before being cut from the final selection. McKenzie said their contribution to the qualification campaign deserved recognition.
“They were part of this journey. They remain part of the family,” he said.
The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between the ministry and SAFA over visa delays that have disrupted the team’s travel plans.
