Percy Tau leads South Africa AFCON charge as Burnley’s Foster omitted from squad over mental health issues
Al Ahly star, Percy Tau will lead the South African attack at next month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) in Cote d’Ivoire.
The reigning CAF Interclub Player of the Year winner headlines the Bafana Bafana squad that was announced by AFCON 2017 winning coach Hugo Broos on Thursday, 28 December.
Other important selections include Mamelodi Sundowns key players that enjoyed African Football League glory, such as Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena and star player, Themba Zwane.
The notable absence from the squad is Burnley striker Lyle Foster, after his club said mental health issues made it impossible for him to travel.
Foster had been named in the preliminary squad despite South Africa being told by Burnley that he would not be available.
He was sidelined by the Premier League club in November due to what they said was a recurrence of a mental health issue.
However, the 23-year-old returned to action on Dec. 16 against Everton, travelled to London for the win over Fulham last week, and started the Boxing Day game at home to Liverpool.
Hugo Broos said on Thursday that he was surprised Foster had played the second half of the home defeat by Everton and contacted Burnley coach Vincent Kompany.
“He explained to me that ‘Ok, he played 45 minutes but he wasn’t ready to travel,” Broos told a press conference as he named a 23-man squad. “There is still the danger that he could have the same problems he had two months ago.
“So our doctor had contact with the doctors at Burnley. I got the medical report where it stated it was impossible for Foster to be at Afcon and this is medical.”
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders: Grant Kekana, Terrence Mashego (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu (SuperSport United)
Midfielders: Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Monare (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City), Zakhele Lepasa, Evidence Makgopa (both Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Maseko (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Percy Tau (Al Ahly)