Ajax midfielder Thulani Serero has been left out of the South African squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations.
- By David Lee Wheatley
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The 24-year-old was included in the provisional group, but is one of four players to be cut from the final 23-man selection.
“Serero is not in the squad because other players proved better than him,” said Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba.
Serero may be disappointed by the decision, but it’s good news for Ajax head coach Frank De Boer who has utilised the player regularly throughout the campaign and will certainly be glad not to be losing him for the tournament which begins on January 17 in Equatorial Guinea.
Soweto-born star Serero started out with Ajax Cape Town prior to a move to their Netherlands-based parent club in May 2011.
He has made 22 appearances for the senior Ajax side in all competitions this season, scoring one goal.
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This is bullsh*t ! Thulani is one of the most clinical passer I’ve seen in the Eredivisie and such a hard worker on the pitch ! Shakes is gonna regret him in his midfield believe me !
This is an ongoing saga between Serero and SAFA. I know the previous coach, Gordon Igesund, had the same problems with Serero and ended up overlooking him for the vast majority of Bafana Bafana games. Shakes Mashaba has stated time and again that only players who are fully committed will be picked. Serero’s non-appearance for the recent training camp in South Africa has clearly forced Mashaba’s hand. It’s a shame as Serero has been superb for Ajax this season. Andile Jali in Belgium will take his place but I don’t think he’ll do as good a job.