Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has shed light on his decision to include Bathusi Aubaas over Grant Margeman in the final 23-man squad set to face Nigeria and Zimbabwe in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
This decision has sparked much discussion among fans and analysts, given Margeman’s impressive performance in recent times.
Margeman’s Initial Inclusion and Performance
Grant Margeman was initially named in the preliminary squad, reflecting his strong form and consistent performances in the DStv Premiership.
Since joining SuperSport United on a permanent deal from Sundowns for the 2023/24 season, Margeman has been a standout player.
He made 37 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal, providing four assists, and earning several Man of the Match awards.
His efforts did not go unnoticed as he was part of the Bafana squad for the international friendlies against Algeria and Andorra in March.
Bathusi Aubaas’s Inclusion
Conversely, Bathusi Aubaas, who joined Mamelodi Sundowns from TS Galaxy in July 2023, was named in Broos’ final squad.
Aubaas has had a challenging first season with Sundowns, facing limited playing opportunities and dealing with an early-season injury.
Despite these setbacks, Broos has opted to include him in the crucial qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
Broos’s Reasoning
Coach Hugo Broos has articulated his reasoning behind the selection of Aubaas over Margeman, emphasizing the former’s physical prowess.
According to Broos, Aubaas’s power and potential to perform against physically demanding teams like Nigeria were pivotal factors in his decision.
“Bathusi is a powerful player, and I was a little bit sad when he joined Mamelodi Sundowns because he doesn’t get a chance to play,” Broos explained.
“And he had an injury at the beginning [of the season]; I’m happy that he’s getting his chance again. He’s someone you can use against a team like Nigeria.
I’m not telling you that I’m gonna use him; I’m just saying he’s a player you can use. It was a choice between him and Margeman.”
Comparing Margeman and Aubaas
Broos acknowledged Margeman’s strong performance in the last camp and his reliability. However, he cited Margeman’s lack of physical power as a significant disadvantage in matches against physically robust teams like Nigeria.
“Margeman was with us in the last camp and he did it very well, I was really happy with him but he doesn’t have the power.
We can count on him, but certainly not for a game against Nigeria. So that was the choice between Bathusi and Margeman. I’m happy that Bathusi is back,” Broos stated.
Aubaas’s Potential Impact
Bathusi Aubaas’s inclusion is seen as a strategic move to bolster the team’s physicality and resilience.
His return to form after injury and the prospect of using his power against formidable opponents like Nigeria and Zimbabwe could prove decisive in the upcoming qualifiers.
The Broader Implications
The decision to prioritize physical strength over form and consistency reflects Broos’s tactical approach to the qualifiers.
It underscores the importance of having a balanced squad capable of handling the varying demands of international football.
This choice also highlights the depth of talent available to Bafana Bafana, where selection dilemmas stem from having multiple capable players vying for spots.
Conclusion
Hugo Broos’s decision to select Bathusi Aubaas over Grant Margeman for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe has generated significant interest and discussion.
By prioritizing physical strength and the specific demands of the matches, Broos aims to equip Bafana Bafana with the best possible squad to navigate these crucial fixtures.
As fans eagerly await the qualifiers, all eyes will be on Aubaas to see if he can justify his selection and contribute to South Africa’s quest for World Cup qualification.
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