Percy Tau returns as Hugo Broos clears the air with Jayden Adams

Hugo Broos says he has moved past the Jayden Adams saga and is fully focused on the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin in the next two weeks.

The then-Stellenbosch FC midfielder was withdrawn from Broos’ Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers squad due to what was said to be a disciplinary issue. However, after moving to Pretoria with Mamelodi Sundowns, the 23-year-old’s form has been too good to ignore.

Other notable additions include Qatar-based Percy Tau, who makes a return after also missing out on the AFCON qualifiers earlier this year.

Meanwhile, TS Galaxy centre-back Kulumani Ndamane was withdrawn from the squad due to his failure to secure a passport in time, while Orlando Pirates duo Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa failed to make the final cut.

Bafana will take on Lesotho next Friday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium (6pm kick-off) before following it up with a tough away fixture against a Benin side they defeated 2-1 over a year ago at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Broos has spoken of his intentions to take charge of Group C by targeting wins against both Lesotho and Benin, but he also made it clear that there are no hard feelings regarding Adams’ return to the squad.

“Jayden did something, and I made a decision," Broos said. "He didn't have the right attitude, but this was six months ago, and for me, it's forgotten because I did what I had to do.

"I also think that Jayden understands that what he did was not right, and he made a big mistake. I do not think he will do it again.

"Everything that happened does not affect his quality as a player — he is still the same good player he was six months ago. So why shouldn't we call him up again? The issue is forgotten and behind us, and what happens in the future is up to him now."

The 72-year-old also opened up about his relationship with Percy Tau and expressed his satisfaction that the forward is back with the squad and has made a move that will see him get more game time.

“I had a long chat with Percy before the game in November,” Broos continued. “It was a good meeting, but I will say now that it is not just important to be abroad — you also have to play. Playing is crucial because it maintains the rhythm of the game.

"And I think if we are being honest, the reason why Percy didn't perform at his usual level for the national team was because he didn’t have enough minutes in his legs.

"He has now left Al Ahly for Qatar, and one can say that the level of competition is lower, but I prefer a player competing in a lower league and playing rather than a player in a big league who is not playing. So, let’s hope he can bring what we expect from him.”