Gould backs Broos to steady Bafana’s unsettled defence

Former Bafana Bafana defender Morgan Gould has expressed full confidence in national team head coach Hugo Broos to steady South Africa’s defence ahead of two crucial World Cup qualifiers.

Bafana face Lesotho on Friday, before hosting Nigeria next Tuesday. The senior men’s team currently sit atop Group C with 13 points, holding a five-point advantage over second-placed Rwanda. Despite this strong position, Broos faces a testing period as defensive options are stretched to the limit.

Injuries and dips in form have forced Broos into multiple changes. Key defenders such as Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana and Siyanda Xulu are all unavailable for the upcoming fixtures. 

Their absence opens the door for fresh faces, including Samukelo Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khulumani Ndamane and Zuko Mdunyelwa. These newcomers will link up with the more experienced Sydney Mobbie, Aubrey Modiba and Siyabonga Ngezana, tasked with stabilising the backline during this transitional phase.

Broos has described this camp as the most challenging he has managed since taking charge of Bafana three years ago. 

The Belgian coach is working under pressure to balance youth, experience, and immediate results as South Africa aim to maintain their top spot in the group. Speaking exclusively to Independent Newspapers, Gould — capped 30 times for Bafana — believes Broos’ experience will be key in guiding the team through this period.

“With his experience, his rearguard might be a concern but I don’t think he’ll worry too much because the players he has there are well worthy of doing well. The timing just needs to be right and the mental strength,” Gould said.

“The team has so much faith in Broos and they don’t want to let him down. The previous rearguard knew how experienced he was in continental football and he showed it in the last AFCON,” he added.

“I think he’s just letting us know that everything comes in phases and this one is going to be testing for him and the team,” Gould continued.

Gould also warned against complacency against Lesotho, the first of the two qualifiers.

“Don’t overlook Lesotho, they’ve got players that are playing in South Africa that know and understand South Africans, and for them to make a name for themselves, they need to do well against South Africa,” he said.

“We’ve been on the up and up and we’re the rabbit to be chased. We need to look at Lesotho first before we can even focus on Nigeria.”

The former defender stressed that mental focus and discipline will be vital for the team, particularly with Nigeria waiting as a far tougher challenge. 

Broos’ ability to manage the new-look defence, instil confidence, and maintain cohesion could prove decisive in South Africa’s World Cup qualification campaign. While questions remain over Bafana’s backline, Gould believes Broos has the experience, tactical knowledge, and leadership to navigate this testing phase successfully. 

If the players rise to the challenge, South Africa could maintain their momentum and continue their march toward 2026.