Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos should reconsider his decision to leave Fagrie Lakay out of his preliminary squad for the Africa Cup of Nations next month.
In his 50-man preliminary squad announced last week, the Belgian did not have the name of Lakay on the list and I find that rather strange, considering the problems he has in attack. Zakhele Lepasa and Monnapule Saleng are struggling for form and can't break into the starting line-up at Orlando Pirates; Iqraam Rayners is not as prolific as he was for Stellenbosch FC in the second half of last season; AmaZulu's Tshepang Moremi has no experience at international level; Lebogang Mothiba has now been ruled out of the competition and Lyle Foster has struggled with his mental health in recent weeks and has been ruled out by his club for AFCON.
Bafana's options upfront are not high and Lakay is someone who would give Broos the options he needs in attack. The experience Lakay has gained playing in Egypt for Pyramids is invaluable, considering the club has been playing in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup since he joined them.
Lakay has national team experience from junior level and knows what it takes to play in major competitions, so he would not struggle to make an impact at a tournament as big as AFCON. The former SuperSport United and Santos attacker also gives Broos the option of playing him in more than one position upfront.
He has the ability to play from the left side of attack, allowing him to cut into play and take shots at goal. He can also play from the right and use his pace and skill to beat defenders and play crosses into the box. He can also play in a more central role as a striker if needed, using his strength in physique to give defenders a problem. He is a useful player to have in the team and Broos should not make the mistake of leaving the player out of the squad to play at AFCON next month.
Lakay has made 12 appearances in all competitions for Pyramids this season, scoring three goals in the process. It's not a prolific record, but he does not always play in a central role for the club, but remains one of the key figures in attack.
Bafana need as much experience as possible going into AFCON and Lakay definitely has that. The 26-year-old is the type of player who can make an impact for Bafana in Ivory Coast because he also has this never-say-die attitude which sees him constantly knocking on the door until something happens.
Broos should do the right thing and call him up if he wants to have a potent attack to overcome some of the giants of African football.
