Brooklyn Poggenpoel says Bafana selection is about performances, not clubs

Bafana Bafana midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel says players should be judged on their performances rather than the club they represent when national team places are being decided.

The 26-year-old was on the fringes of the South Africa squad and was among the players left devastated after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

However, Poggenpoel was given an opportunity under Pitso Mosimane during the most recent camp. He made his Bafana Bafana debut in the 5-0 victory over Eritrea before starting again several days later in the 1-0 win against Egypt.

Those appearances made a significant impression and could encourage other Premier Soccer League players hoping to earn international recognition.

“I think everyone in the league has a fair chance, the coach has given debuts to so many players in the last camp, so I don’t think it’s about which club you play for, it’s about performances at club level, everyone will get a fair look,” Poggenpoel said.

His comments underline the opportunity available to players across the Premier Soccer League, regardless of their club, with Mosimane having handed debuts to several players during the camp.

Poggenpoel also praised the experience of working with Mosimane and said younger players benefited from the manager’s previous achievements and experience.

“It was something really enjoyable to work with the coach because you see what he’s done in the past, so for us – younger players to come work with the coach, it’s a great feeling, you learn a lot in a short space, so it’s really enjoyable,” he said.

Having initially missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, Poggenpoel’s rapid move from the fringes of the national team to making two starts provides an example of how quickly a player’s prospects can change through performances at club level.

He was an unused substitute on Friday as South Africa drew 2-2 with Kenya at Orlando Stadium in their match-day three fixture in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier.