Danish coach Jakob Poulsen expresses shock at Gift Links persistent Bafana Bafana snub  

Danish coach Jakob Poulsen has voiced his surprise at the continued exclusion of South African winger Gift Links from the Bafana Bafana squad, despite the midfielder’s stellar performances for Aarhus GF in the Danish SuperLiga.

Links, a former Cape Town City star, has been in sensational form this season, recording five goals and six assists in 27 appearances. His consistency has earned him recognition in the league’s Team of the Week multiple times and a nomination for Player of the Month, underlining his status as one of Scandinavia’s most in-form players. Yet, national team coach Hugo Broos has not called up the 26-year-old since 2021, leaving fans and pundits puzzled.

Poulsen, who has worked closely with Links in Denmark, highlighted the winger’s unique qualities. “Gift has been fantastic this whole season. He is a crazy one-on-one player and has such fast feet and incredible speed,” the Danish coach said. “From standstill positions, he can get away from his opponent every time. At the same time, he has a really good work rate, up and down the pitch; he’s a pleasure to have on my team.”

The coach went further, questioning the rationale behind Links’ omission from the national setup. “I can’t understand; I don’t know the South African national team that well. But with the level he has shown over a really long period, I would be very surprised if they have three players who are better than him in that position,” Poulsen added.

Links’ style of play, characterized by blistering pace, agility, and precise crossing, makes him a natural fit for a team looking to add width and creativity. His consistent performances in Denmark suggest that he could provide Bafana Bafana with a potent attacking threat, especially in wide positions where quick, technical players are often decisive.

The ongoing omission raises questions about selection criteria in the South African national team, particularly as Links continues to excel abroad while domestic and international talent pipelines evolve. Observers have noted that his ability to take on defenders, create chances, and contribute goals could be invaluable as Bafana Bafana prepare for key fixtures, including the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

For Links, the challenge now is to continue performing at the highest level to make his case undeniable. Poulsen’s public endorsement not only shines a spotlight on the midfielder’s talents but also intensifies the debate about missed opportunities for South Africa to harness its expatriate talent in Europe.

As the season progresses, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if Gift Links finally receives the call-up his form demands—a decision that could prove crucial for Bafana Bafana’s attacking options on the international stage.