Kaizer Chiefs academy graduate Khulumani Ndamane is on the verge of a significant milestone in his career, as he is set to receive his South African passport on Monday. This development reignites the possibility of his inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad, leaving the final decision in the hands of national team head coach Hugo Broos.
Ndamane, currently a key player for TS Galaxy, was originally named in the preliminary squad for Bafana Bafana’s upcoming international fixtures. However, his dream of representing the national team hit an unexpected roadblock when it was revealed that he did not possess a valid South African passport. This administrative hurdle forced Broos to replace him with Grant Kekana of Mamelodi Sundowns, a move that sparked debate regarding the handling of the situation.
With the documentation issue now being addressed, the question remains—will Broos reconsider his decision and reinstate Ndamane in the squad?
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A Rising Star Caught in Bureaucratic Delays
Ndamane’s journey to the national team has been anything but straightforward. Having developed his skills at Kaizer Chiefs’ renowned youth academy, he gradually made a name for himself in South African football. His performances at TS Galaxy caught the attention of Hugo Broos, who has been actively scouting for fresh talent to bolster his squad ahead of crucial international competitions.
However, just as the 24-year-old was about to take the next step in his career, the passport issue derailed his immediate international aspirations. The situation raised several concerns about the administrative processes within South African football, particularly regarding the readiness of players for national duty.
Tim Sukazi’s Frustration and Call for Better Management
TS Galaxy owner Tim Sukazi has been vocal about the handling of Ndamane’s omission. He believes the situation could have been resolved well in advance and that a player of Ndamane’s caliber should not miss out on an opportunity due to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
“This issue could have been dealt with better and resolved in time, considering that it is a matter of national interest. It is unfortunate that Khulumani was denied a chance to represent his country due to an administrative delay,” Sukazi stated.
Sukazi emphasized that Ndamane’s passport would be ready by Monday, which means the final decision now rests with Hugo Broos. If Broos chooses to recall him, Ndamane could still feature in Bafana Bafana’s upcoming fixtures.
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The Role of the National Team Coach: Will Hugo Broos Make the Call?
The final say now lies with Hugo Broos, who will need to decide whether to adjust his squad selection to accommodate Ndamane. The Belgian tactician has earned praise for his no-nonsense approach and commitment to merit-based selections, but this case presents a unique challenge.
Broos had previously explained that he had no choice but to replace Ndamane, as FIFA regulations require all players to have a valid passport for international duty. While the decision was procedurally correct, Sukazi and others argue that the urgency of the matter was not properly addressed, and efforts should have been made to secure the player’s eligibility before the final squad was submitted.
With Ndamane’s passport now set to be finalized, it remains to be seen whether Broos will reconsider his selection or stick with Grant Kekana, who has already been integrated into the squad.
Why Ndamane’s Inclusion Would Benefit Bafana Bafana
Khulumani Ndamane’s potential inclusion in Bafana Bafana would be more than just a symbolic gesture. His performances in the DStv Premiership this season have showcased a player who is both defensively solid and tactically intelligent—qualities that South Africa could benefit from, especially as they prepare for AFCON qualifiers and other international fixtures.
Strengths of Khulumani Ndamane
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Versatility in Defense
- Ndamane is primarily a center-back but has shown the ability to play as a full-back when needed. His adaptability allows Bafana Bafana to have more tactical options, especially in formations that require defensive flexibility.
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Strong Aerial Presence
- One of Ndamane’s standout qualities is his ability to win aerial duels. This is particularly valuable in set-piece situations, an area where Bafana Bafana have occasionally struggled.
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Composure and Tactical Awareness
- Unlike many young defenders, Ndamane exhibits calmness under pressure. His ability to read the game and anticipate attacking movements makes him a reliable asset in high-pressure matches.
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Youth with Experience
- At 24, Ndamane is young enough to be developed for future tournaments but experienced enough to handle the demands of international football. He represents a long-term defensive option for South Africa.
A Missed Opportunity or a Second Chance?
If Broos decides against recalling Ndamane, it will likely be a disappointing but educational experience for the young defender. However, the incident has already highlighted key areas of improvement in South African football administration.
- Should there be preemptive measures to ensure all players are passport-ready before being considered for selection?
- How can the national team improve its logistical preparedness to avoid such scenarios in the future?
The hope is that lessons will be learned from this episode, ensuring that similar issues do not prevent deserving players from representing their country in the future.
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What This Means for the Future of Bafana Bafana’s Squad Selection
The Ndamane situation also brings to light a broader issue—how South Africa manages its emerging talents. Broos has shown a willingness to give young, in-form players a chance, but the system must ensure that such opportunities are not wasted due to administrative roadblocks.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and future AFCON tournaments on the horizon, South Africa needs to build a squad that blends youth with experience, and players like Ndamane represent the new generation that could lead Bafana Bafana back to international prominence.
Final Verdict: What Will Hugo Broos Decide?
As Monday approaches, all eyes will be on the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Hugo Broos. Will the coach choose to recall Ndamane now that his passport issue is resolved, or will he stand by his initial selection of Grant Kekana?
Whatever the decision, this episode has shed light on the importance of efficiency in football administration and has underlined the fact that South Africa has a pool of talented young players who are ready to step up—provided they are given the opportunity.
For Khulumani Ndamane, the wait for his Bafana Bafana debut continues. Whether it happens in this international window or the next, one thing is certain—his time will come.
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