Hugo Broos faces pleasant selection headache as Bafana Bafana prepare for Zambia test

Bafana Bafana will begin their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations next month in Morocco with an international friendly against Zambia next Saturday — at a venue yet to be announced by SAFA.

Coach Hugo Broos faces a crucial few days ahead of that clash, as he prepares to name his final 23-man squad at SAFA headquarters in Johannesburg on Thursday. While the Belgian mentor is expected to stick largely with his tried-and-tested core, a few in-form players are making strong cases for inclusion.

One such player is Kaizer Chiefs’ Mduduzi Shabalala, who has hit a rich vein of form in recent weeks. The 21-year-old has made the most of his opportunities at club level, impressing with goals, assists and an increasingly mature all-round game.

Having been called up late in the last two Bafana camps to replace injured players, Shabalala now looks ready for a full call-up on merit. His performances have come at the perfect time, particularly with Relebohile Mofokeng still nursing an injury that saw him miss the crucial World Cup qualifier earlier this month.

Shabalala’s brief cameo in that qualifier — coming off the bench in the closing minutes — drew cheers from the technical team and supporters alike. He has already had a taste of international football, having featured at the COSAFA Cup earlier this year, and appears increasingly comfortable in the national setup.

Broos also has other selection dilemmas to consider. Orlando Pirates midfielder Masindi Nemtajela has been one of the standout performers in the domestic league, forcing his way into the starting line-up and even keeping Sipho Mbule on the bench. His creativity and ability to unlock tight defences could prove invaluable, particularly as Broos looks to inject more attacking variety into Bafana’s play ahead of AFCON.

Creativity in midfield remains a key priority for the coach, who has often highlighted the team’s struggle to turn possession into goals. With Nemtajela’s sharpness and Shabalala’s energy, Broos could find the attacking spark he needs.

The good news is that Bafana are otherwise close to a clean bill of health. Apart from Mofokeng and Themba Zwane, who has been managing minor niggles, most of Broos’ regulars — both local and overseas-based — are fit and in good form.

The squad named this week will set the tone for the group heading to Morocco in December, though Broos is expected to keep an open mind in case of injuries or dips in form before the team departs on December 17.

At club level, several players are peaking at the right time. Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has kept three consecutive clean sheets — and nine in just 14 matches this season — producing a stunning triple save in the 4-1 win over Orbit College. That match also saw Shabalala score twice and register two assists, while Mfundo Vilakazi netted the third goal and Flavio Silva added the fourth, his second in as many games.

Vilakazi, too, has been growing in confidence, combining flair with improved end product — another encouraging sign for Bafana.

With competition for places intensifying and form players knocking on the door, Broos faces a welcome challenge. His final squad selection could offer an early glimpse into the shape and intent of the team that will carry South Africa’s hopes at AFCON 2025.