Ashley Makhanya Sends Strong Message as Thakasani Mbanjwa Earns Bafana Bafana Recognition

Golden Arrows assistant coach Ashley Makhanya has defended the quality of players at the Durban-based club, insisting that goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa’s inclusion in the preliminary Bafana Bafana squad is a deserved recognition of his performances.

Mbanjwa has been named in South Africa’s preliminary squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya, giving him an opportunity to compete for a place in the final team.

The goalkeeper was included in a group of four shot-stoppers alongside Ricardo Goss, Ronwen Williams and Sipho Chaine. His selection has also highlighted the growing recognition of players performing consistently outside the country’s biggest football clubs.

Makhanya believes national team selection should be based on performances and ability rather than the reputation or size of a player’s club.

The Arrows assistant coach expressed satisfaction with Mbanjwa’s call-up, maintaining that the club’s players have the quality to represent South Africa at international level.

He stressed that the recognition was earned on merit and should not come as a surprise to those who have been following the team’s performances.

Makhanya also pointed out that Mbanjwa’s selection is part of a broader pattern of Golden Arrows players attracting attention from the national team technical staff.

He recalled that Van Neel was previously included in the preliminary Bafana Bafana squad before Mbanjwa received the latest opportunity.

According to Makhanya, these selections demonstrate that players from Golden Arrows are capable of competing for national team recognition when they deliver consistent performances.

Mbanjwa’s inclusion in the preliminary squad is an important milestone in his career, although it does not guarantee a place in the final squad for the qualifiers.

The upcoming matches against Kenya will provide South Africa with another opportunity to strengthen its position in the AFCON qualifying campaign, while players named in the preliminary selection will hope to impress and secure their places in the final team.

Source : https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2114644766080000146