Bafana Bafana’s AFCON Squad Selection: Rushwin Dortley and Thalente Mbatha Called Up

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has announced his preliminary squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with two of the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) rising stars making the cut. The national team will be facing Uganda on September 6 and South Sudan on September 10, as they aim to solidify their place in the next AFCON tournament.

Rushwin Dortley: A Rising Star at Kaizer Chiefs

Among the newcomers to the national team is Rushwin Dortley, a recent signing for Kaizer Chiefs from Cape Town Spurs. Although Dortley has yet to make his official debut for the Amakhosi, his impressive performances in the recent Cosafa Cup have not gone unnoticed. His inclusion in the preliminary squad reflects Coach Broos’s confidence in the 21-year-old defender’s potential to contribute meaningfully to the national team’s defensive line-up. Dortley will join fellow Chiefs players Bruce Bvuma and Given Msimango, who have also been named in the squad.

Dortley’s rapid rise to the national team spotlight highlights his skill and determination, qualities that Kaizer Chiefs hope will translate into success on the field. Fans of the Glamour Boys will be eagerly watching as Dortley takes this next big step in his career, hoping he can bring the same level of performance to the national stage as he has shown in his club career so far.

Thalente Mbatha: A Midfield Dynamo for Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates’ midfield dynamo, Thalente Mbatha, is another notable inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad. Mbatha has been in fine form since joining the Buccaneers from SuperSport United in January, quickly establishing himself as a key player for the Soweto giants. His call-up to the national squad is a testament to his consistent performances and growing influence in the midfield.

Mbatha’s inclusion is not only a personal achievement but also a significant boost for Orlando Pirates, who will be proud to see one of their own representing the nation. As Bafana Bafana aims to build on their recent success at the AFCON in Ivory Coast, where they secured a third-place finish, players like Mbatha will be crucial in helping the team qualify for the next tournament.

Keagan Dolly Addresses Salary Rumours

In related news, former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Keagan Dolly has spoken out about the persistent rumours surrounding his salary during his time with the club. There had been widespread speculation that Dolly was earning over R1 million per month, a figure that many believed was comparable to his earnings while playing in France for Montpellier. However, Dolly has categorically denied these claims, calling them grossly exaggerated.

Dolly shared that these rumours created unnecessary tension both within the club and in his personal life. “With all the allegations of how much I earned at Kaizer Chiefs and what I was on, and me not playing as much, obviously the supporters felt the club was paying me too much while I wasn’t playing. I tried not to let social media affect me,” Dolly explained. He emphasized that the reported figures were inaccurate and that he always gave his best whenever he played for Chiefs.

As Bafana Bafana gears up for their crucial AFCON qualifiers, the spotlight will be on these players to see if they can carry their club form into the international arena.