‘Really Nonsense’ – Bafana Bafana Coach Defends Snubbing Thembinkosi Lorch, Kaizer Chiefs Players Amid Social Media Criticism

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has hit back at the persistent online criticism surrounding his squad selections, labelling the social media chatter as "ridiculous" and confirming it has no influence on his decisions.

The outspoken Belgian has frequently been the target of scrutiny for his player choices. The latest wave of criticism followed the announcement of his team for the upcoming international friendly against Zambia this Saturday at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

This match is a key preparation fixture ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco, where South Africa will look to improve upon their bronze medal finish from the previous tournament in Ivory Coast.

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Broos has shown a strong preference for a consistent core group of players, typically making only minor changes between national team camps. His most recent squad, which assembled on Monday, featured just two new faces: Orlando Pirates midfielder Masindi Nemtajela and Sekhukhune United's Keletso Makgalwa.

This loyalty to a specific group has become a major point of contention for fans. The exclusion of all Kaizer Chiefs players has been particularly controversial, sparking widespread debate, even as some observers note a recent uptick in the club's form.

Broos has been direct about his reasoning, stating that he believes Chiefs players do not currently possess the quality required for the national team. While Mduduzi Shabalala was part of the squad for the recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, no Amakhosi players were included in the current selection.

Other observers have also expressed their discontent over the overlooking of Wydad Casablanca winger Thembinkosi Lorch, with the former Orlando Pirates man on song for the Moroccan giants.

When asked about the relentless criticism from fans online, Broos was unequivocal, stating that he ignores the commentary entirely.

"You know how I feel about social media, I don’t follow that at all," Broos said. "And I think if I should read those things, I should laugh."

He delivered a final, firm dismissal of his online detractors, concluding: "Those are people who think they’re important on social media, and they can say what they want. It’s really nonsense, it’s ridiculous, and it doesn’t affect me at all, but thank you for mentioning it."