Golden Arrows captain Ayanda Jiyane ‘would have made’ Bafana Bafana squad, says Dladla

Golden Arrows coach Pitso Dladla believes captain Ayanda Jiyane would have been selected for Bafana Bafana’s recent international break had injury not ruled him out.

Bafana Bafana won all three of their matches during the break under new coach Pitso Mosimane, but Jiyane was unavailable while recovering from injury.

Dladla feels the midfielder’s form and quality would have attracted Mosimane’s attention, particularly during Golden Arrows’ demanding fixtures against Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch.

The Arrows captain made his return in this past weekend’s match against Milford. However, his comeback ended in disappointment as Abafana Bes’thende were beaten 1-0 at home.

“We’re happy that our captain is back. He was unfortunate to be absent due to injury when we were playing the significant games that would make him shine,” said Dladla.

“That’s when we were playing the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch. That was when the national team coach Pitso Mosimane had just taken reins.

“I think if he was not injured, he was going to be part of the squad that Pitso Mosimane called to the national team.”

Jiyane will now hope his return to action puts him in contention for the next Bafana Bafana squad.

South Africa are due to face Kenya in back-to-back AFCON qualifying matches in November.