Former Kaizer Chiefs Coach Clarifies Why Hugo Broos Is Not to Blame for Amakhosi Players Bafana Bafana Snub

Former Kaizer Chiefs head coach Cavin Johnson has weighed in on the conspicuous absence of Amakhosi players from the South African national team, attributing it to a lack of club-level consistency rather than a bias from Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.

The issue has resurfaced as the latest national team camp, preparing for a friendly against Zambia, features no representatives from the Glamour Boys.

This follows the non-selection of Mduduzi Shabalala, who was a potential replacement for the injured Rushwin Dortley.

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Since Hugo Broos took charge, Kaizer Chiefs players have found it difficult to secure a spot in the national squad, leading some supporters to speculate that the Belgian coach holds a bias against the club.

However, Cavin Johnson dismisses these claims, arguing that the problem lies on the pitch. In a recent interview, he drew parallels with dominant international teams to explain his perspective.

"No, it's got nothing to do with recruitment," Cavin Johnson stated in an interview with Soccer Laduma. "You've got to look at it and analyse it on a pitch stage. If you look at who dominates the Spanish national team, who dominates?"

When reminded that Barcelona and Real Madrid players form the core of the Spanish side, Johnson replied, "Exactly, and those are consistent teams. So what does that tell you? All Chiefs have to do is be more consistent within the league, and their players will get an opportunity to play in the Bafana team."

Applying the same logic to the domestic scene, Johnson pointed out that the current Bafana Bafana squad is heavily populated by players from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, the two most consistent teams in the country.

"So you answered your own question," he continued. "It's not about recruitment... It's about being consistent within your league, and that way your players are getting noticed more."

The 66-year-old coach emphasised that consistent participation in continental competitions like the CAF Confederation Cup is crucial.

He noted that Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have been mainstays in African tournaments for years, which gives their players vital international exposure.

"They (Sundowns and Pirates) are playing international football all the time, that tells you a lot," Johnson insisted.

"When that happens, you're guaranteed that your players will have a look-in from the national team."

"It's not Hugo Broos saying, 'I like Pirates, I like Marumo Gallants, therefore I'm gonna pick the players from that team.' No, it's about how consistent you are as a team within the league and within international competitions," he concluded.

Cavin Johnson’s remarks serve as a reminder that national team selection is earned through performance rather than reputation.

Until Amakhosi can re-establish themselves among South Africa’s most competitive and stable sides, their players may continue to find opportunities at the international level limited.