Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos said TS Galaxy midfielder Bathusi Aubaas and young SuperSport United forward Thapelo Maseko are footballers who left so much of an impression on him during the recent preparation camps they demanded to be picked.
The duo cracked Broos' 23-man squad for next week's African Cup of Nations qualifier against Morocco at the FNB Stadium in what were rare selection surprises from the former Belgian international.
Broos has made it clear that he's been a man of his word, deed, and convictions when picking players, something that's shown in the retention of Sekhukhune United right back Nyiko Mobbie ahead of defender of the season Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns).
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Aubaas is one of four out-and-out midfielders alongside Luke le Roux, Njabulo Blom, and Teboho Mokoena.
Broos said the 28-year-old hardman displayed qualities that endeared him to the selection table ahead of the likes of Orlando Pirates' Miguel Timm and Kaizer Chiefs' Yusuf Maart.
"Bathusi was playing well at the start of the season but fell out of the team, but I think there were reasons for that," Broos said.
"What I like about him is that he's a different type of midfielder as compared to other players. He's a tall guy who is very aggressive.
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"He can be in the 18-yard area, and he can score. These are qualities we were looking for, and I think he deserves his chance.
"I was very pleased with what he showed us in the preparation camp, and we'll see what he holds for the future and the Morocco game."
Maseko's selection ahead of Cape Town City's
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