By Michael Madyira
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has included unheralded Netherlands-born forward Simon van Duivenbooden in his preliminary squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The 22-year-old striker obtained his South African passport in June. Because of his South African father, he is eligible to play for Bafana.
Van Duivenbooden plied his trade in the Dutch second tier for Vitesse Arnhem and made the grade in Broos’ 38-man provisional selection.
It remains to be seen if he will make the final 23-man squad to take on Uganda at Orlando Stadium on 6 September before facing South Sudan away four days later.
While Van Duivenbooden received his maiden call-up, Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala is missing from the selection due to injury.
However, Broos might not worry much, as he has Grant Kekana, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Siyabonga Ngezana, and the Kaizer Chiefs duo of Given Msimango and Rushwin Dortley as his other centre-back options.
The provisional list features familiar names, including Themba Zwane, Aubrey Modiba, Patrick Maswanganyi, Iqraam Rayners, Percy Tau, Sphephelo Sithole, and Burnley forward Lyle Foster.
There was also space for the Stellenbosch trio of Athenkosi Mcaba, Fawaaz Basadien, and Devin Titus.
The list of goalkeepers to pick from includes Bruce Bvuma, Sipho Chaine, Veli Mothwa, Ricardo Goss, and captain Ronwen Williams, who is racing against time to regain full fitness.
Orlando Pirates’ top marksman Tshegofatso Mabasa has once again been snubbed, along with Khanyisa Mayo, who recently moved to Algerian side CR Belouizdad.
However, Broos retained his trust in struggling Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa, while Mihlali Mayambela is back in the national team.
Pictured above: Vitesse Arnhem forward Simon van Duivenbooden
Source: Vitesse Arnhem
