Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena was left pleased by the nine players from his squad being call-up to Bafana Bafana while Khuliso Mudau playfully suggested that more should be selected.
Ahead of facing Al Ahly, the Bafana squad was confirmed with a 35-man preliminary squad as Mudau was one of nine selections from the in-form Masandawana who are running towards a sixth consecutive DStv Premiership title.
“Congratulations, I think fully deserved, am I surprised? No. Because I think the national team call-ups have to be merited and like anything else in football, meritocracy probably becomes the most important principle,” Mokwena said.
“I think the nine could be 10, could be 11 in my opinion – but my opinion doesn’t count because I have very little say in how the national team is composed if there’s any say at all – so mine is just to congratulate the players and wish the national team all the best.
“Difficult, difficult fixtures ahead of course, but I think… my opinion, you have seen Germany do it and succeed, you have seen Spain do it and succeed.
“I don’t think there should be a problem calling nine players from Sundowns, especially if the performances merit it and it’s for the benefit of the nation. I wish them the best of luck and congratulate them.”
Mudau, who’s been one of the biggest revelations with the Brazilians’ since being lured from then relegated side Black Leopards jokingly suggested with a broad smile that the number could increase with 11 more players based on current performances.
“As the coach said, every player selected deserves to be there in the Bafana camp because everyone is working hard and making sure they want to help the team with everything they have,” Mudau said with a notable smile.
“I think it’s a good thing they chose nine [Sundowns players], they can choose more, I don’t know by eh… maybe 20.”
