In a significant shake-up for Bafana Bafana, coach Hugo Broos has decided to remove Jayden Adams from the squad.
This decision comes after the 23-year-old midfielder from Stellenbosch arrived late to the training camp, following his team’s disappointing 3-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final.
A Late Arrival Raises Eyebrows
Adding to the tension, Adams’ teammate at Stellenbosch, Fawaaz Basadien, managed to arrive on time.
This discrepancy in professionalism didn’t sit well with Broos, prompting him to take decisive action.
As a result, Chippa United FC’s Sinoxolo Kwayiba is set to take Adams’ place in the lineup.
Broos Speaks Out
Addressing the media during a pre-match press conference, Broos shared his perspective on the situation.
“Jayden Adams is replaced by [Sinoxolo] Kwayiba – why? I won’t delve too much into it, but it comes down to behavior,” Broos explained.
He emphasized the importance of a professional attitude, stating, “If I feel that a guy doesn’t have that attitude, then for me it’s done.”
He further clarified, “He’s not a kid anymore, but if he has that attitude, the only option I have is to remove him from the group. This is not the standard I expect from my players.”
Broos also expressed pride in the current squad, remarking, “I’ve often said how happy I am with this group – their right attitude, behavior, and professionalism are exactly what I want.”
Looking Ahead: Bafana Bafana’s Upcoming Matches
As Bafana Bafana prepares for their next challenge, they currently sit in second place in Group K of the AFCON qualifications, tied on points with Uganda at the top.
The team faces back-to-back matches against Congo-Brazzaville, who are just one point behind the leaders.
Winning both encounters is crucial for South Africa’s automatic qualification.
The first match is scheduled to take place at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Gqeberha on October 11, followed by the return leg at Congo’s Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat four days later.
- South Africa vs. Congo-Brazzaville: October 11 at 19:00
- Congo-Brazzaville vs. South Africa: October 15 at 18:00
What Lies Ahead for Adams?
As Jayden Adams reflects on this setback, it will be interesting to see how he navigates his future in football.
With the national team on the brink of important matches, all eyes will be on Bafana Bafana as they aim for success in the AFCON qualifiers.
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