Mbanjwa earns Bafana Bafana recognition after consistent Golden Arrows form

Golden Arrows assistant coach Ashley Makhanya says goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa has earned his place in Bafana Bafana’s preliminary squad through a sustained run of strong performances.

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane recently named his provisional squad for next month’s two AFCON qualifying matches against Benni McCarthy’s Kenya.

Mbanjwa is one of four goalkeepers included, alongside Ricardo Goss, Ronwen Williams and Sipho Chaine.

His selection follows a period of consistent form for Golden Arrows, and Makhanya believes the call-up reflects the quality of the player’s performances rather than the profile of his club.

“We are happy that a team like Golden Arrows with all these quality players, they deserve these call-ups, it’s on merit,” said Makhanya.

The assistant coach also urged the national team staff to continue monitoring players who are performing well at club level, regardless of whether they represent one of the country’s more established sides.

“We hope that we continue that they will continue to look at some of these players who play here at Bafana level,” he said.

Makhanya noted that Mbanjwa is not the first Golden Arrows player to receive recognition from the national team in recent times. Van Neel was included in the previous preliminary squad, while Mbanjwa has now been selected for the upcoming qualifiers.

“Last time, it was Van Neel who was in the preliminary squad and this time, it’s Mbanjwa,” said Makhanya.

He said further selections would depend on players maintaining their standards and meeting the tactical requirements expected at international level.

“We hope that it continues, it’s about performance at the end of the day. If a guy performs at good tactical level, he’ll be selected, there’s chance that they will be selected,” he added.

Makhanya also rejected the idea that players must first move to a so-called bigger club before they can be considered for Bafana Bafana.

“You don’t have to move to the so-called big club to be part of the national team,” he said.