Bathusi Aubaas has once again been included in the Bafana Bafana squad, but his latest international call-up has divided opinion among South African football supporters.
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder is part of the squad preparing for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, with some fans questioning whether his recent club form warrants another place in the national team.
Aubaas back in the Bafana setup
The 31-year-old has made three Betway Premiership appearances so far this season and has registered one assist.
His recent league involvement has led some supporters to question his selection, particularly given that he made only 14 league appearances during the 2024-25 campaign.
Aubaas also went through the 2024-25 and 2025-26 league seasons without registering a goal or an assist, according to the figures cited in the debate.
That record has prompted criticism online, with some supporters arguing that other midfielders deserve an opportunity in the Bafana squad.
However, his inclusion means new Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane will have the opportunity to assess him directly as South Africa continue their AFCON qualifying campaign.
Pitso Mosimane begins another Bafana chapter
Mosimane’s return to the Bafana setup is one of the major talking points ahead of the clash with Guinea.
South Africa are scheduled to face Guinea on Saturday, 26 September at 18:00, with the squad then turning its attention to Eritrea.
Aubaas will be hoping to force his way into Mosimane’s plans, while the coaching staff will have to weigh recent club performances against their assessment of each player’s tactical value.
Mofokeng provides another selection talking point
One player generating considerably more positive momentum is former Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng.
The young attacker enjoyed an outstanding 2025-26 campaign, scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists in 27 Betway Premiership appearances.
His performances earned him a move to Belgian Pro League club Union Saint-Gilloise, where he has continued to make an impression.
Mofokeng scored the decisive penalty in Union SG’s Belgian Super Cup shootout victory over Club Brugge and subsequently opened his Europa League account against Viktoria Plzen.
He has also scored three goals in five league appearances and recently provided an assist against Royal Antwerp as Union SG extended their winning run.
With Mofokeng among the players pushing for international opportunities, the debate over Bafana selection is likely to continue.
Is Aubaas deserving of his place?
The numbers provide one part of the discussion, while Mosimane’s tactical assessment will provide another.
For some supporters, Aubaas’ recent club statistics raise questions about his selection. Others may point to his experience and qualities as reasons for retaining him in the national-team setup.
Do you think Bathusi Aubaas deserves his place in the latest Bafana Bafana squad? Have your say in the comments.
