As Bafana Bafana prepare for Namibia in their second 2023 Africa Cup of Nations match in Cote d'Ivoire, there have been discussions on social media about Siyanda Xulu after his performance in the opening fixture.
Following Bafana's disappointing 2-0 loss to Mali on Tuesday, Xulu has been subjected to criticism from sections of the fans and pundits in Mzansi who questioned his selection.
The experienced defender hasn't been playing regularly for SuperSport United this season, with only five starts in the team's 16 league matches.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana defender, Lovers Mohlala, is one of those who questions Xulu's selection.
"There are a lot of players in South Africa but having to take Siyanda Xulu, who hasn't been playing regularly for SuperSport, doesn't make sense. You leave defenders that are playing back home, and I don't get it. It's an insult," said Mohlala.
With the upcoming fixtures in sight, Mohlala hasn't lost hope on Bafana's chances to progress in the tournament.
"I'm still saying that South Africa has got soldiers out there. But we shouldn't compare the soldiers of 1996 and 1998 to the current team. We've got a team that has gone to Cote d'Ivoire to do duty for the country, and while they might have not enough ammunition for that, it is a good because it doesn't put them under pressure. Let the boys do the job, and not for Hugo Broos, but for South Africa. I don't think Namibia and Tunisia will be difficult for us and I believe that the boys can win for us. Like many in the country, I am also not confident, but I do have a belief in the players that they can win the game for us and not Broos," he concluded.
