The former SuperSport United player has been consistent throughout his time with the Sea Robbers.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalenthe Mbatha is among the players who made the Bafana Bafana squad that will play Uganda and South Sudan in September's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The midfielder has been one of the Sea Robbers' key players since mid 2023/24 season when he joined on loan from SuperSport United before the Soweto giants made the deal permanent.
The 24-year-old played 11 Premier Soccer League matches for Bucs last season, helping them finish behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns. The defensive midfielder was also critical as the Buccaneers successfully defended their Nedbank Cup.
How did Mbatha win Broos' heart?
“This is a type of player in that position we have been looking for already for a long time,” the Belgian stated.
“He is a typical defensive midfielder, he is playing his position, he plays the game from left to right, he’s always there, available. He’s not running like a fool in front, what I’ve seen from him tactically, he plays what he has to do,” Broos continued.
“So, it’s the right moment to call him to Bafana Bafana and it’s up to him now to show in training and if he should play. Maybe he can't play all games but come in and prove that he is in the right place.”
Who are Bafana Bafana's debutants?
South Africa captain Ronwen Williams is recovering from a shoulder injury which saw Orlando Pirates' keeper Sipho Chaine get his chance.
New Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley has been rewarded for his good showings in the 2024 Cosafa Cup with a second-string Bafana side.
In-form Stellenbosch defender Fawaaz Basadien also made the squad after a strong start to the 2024/25 season.
Bafana Bafana will host Uganda on September 6 at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto before making a trip to Eastern Africa where they will play South Sudan on Tuesday, September 10 in Juba.
