Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos says he made the choice from the beginning to leave in-form midfielder Andile out of his 23-man squad for their fixtures against France and Guinea.

Jali was one of six Mamelodi Sundowns players included in Bafana’s preliminary squad but did not make the cut for Broos’ final 23-man squad for their upcoming friendlies in Europe later this month.

The 31-year-old midfielder has been in fine form for Sundowns this campaign and has been ever present in their squad, while chipping in with two goals and an assist from 30 appearances across all competitions in the middle of the park.

Broos admitted that he omitted Jali from his final squad to make way for younger players with his age being a factor, despite his form this season.

“You know this is a choice. This is a choice I made,” Broos said via SABC Sport.

“I know Jali very well because he played in Belgium. And this is a choice I made from the beginning. And I’m still OK for myself with that choice.

“So, I will try other players. Jali is an older player, too. So, I think that with the younger players I have now, I am [also] looking for other types of players in the midfield.”

Bafana Bafana are scheduled to take on Guinea in Belgium on Friday, 25 March, with kick-off set for 7pm.