Coach Hugo Broos calls for urgent commitment to nurture Bafana Bafana’s next generation

Hugo Broos has urged SAFA to lay the foundation for a new generation of football stars by emphasising the integration of youth talent into Bafana Bafana — a move aimed at solidifying the future of South African football.

The Bafana Bafana coach has underscored the gradual need to field players from the U17 and U20 national teams in the senior squad. This strategy aims to ensure that continuity and international experience can contribute to the team’s long-term success.

Broos believes SAFA should establish a dedicated U23 national team during every FIFA international break. Recognising the value of experience gained at youth level, he says this is crucial to maintaining a continuous pathway for talented youngsters to develop into top-tier players.

The renowned Belgian tactician — who a few years ago was part of a committee that helped guide Denmark to the No. 1 FIFA world ranking — believes such a structure would provide a vital platform for emerging talents like Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell to graduate smoothly into the senior side.

Broos, who has already made significant strides with the national team since his appointment, is acutely aware of the need for progression and sustainability in South African football. His comments echo the growing consensus that nurturing young talent is essential for long-term success. By ensuring an U23 team is active during international breaks, the national setup can offer valuable match experience and development opportunities for promising players.

Among those ready to step up is Keletso Makgalwa, the Sekhukhune United attacker who once dazzled as a star player for coach Thabo Senong’s Amajita squad at the FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea seven years ago. While several of his peers from that tournament have struggled to make their mark at senior level, Broos is determined to change that narrative.

Since taking charge in 2021, Broos has selected only a handful of players from the U20 squad that once promised so much, including Teboho Mokoena and Sipho Mbule. He attributes this to a lack of continuity and opportunities for younger players, as many, like Makgalwa, have seen their progress stall for various reasons.

“It’s important — I’ve always said — that international experience is crucial for those who were already at the World Cup or an AFCON with the U20 or U17. They already have that, but you must continue,” Broos explained. “If you don’t keep working with those guys, South Africa will lose talent as quickly as you can think.”

He stressed that without integrating these young athletes into Bafana Bafana’s training environment, there is a risk of losing bright prospects to the passage of time.

As South Africa’s U23 team prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers next year, in the build-up to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, Broos is eager to see the established connection with the Amajita squad maintained.

“The advantage we may have compared to previous years is that we now have a pool of players who have gained international experience at youth level,” he noted, indicating a positive outlook for the nation’s footballing future.

However, Broos cautioned against rushing young players into the senior team too soon. He believes that while the talent is evident, careful management is essential to avoid overwhelming them.

“I can’t call, for example, Smith or Campbell into the national team now and go to AFCON. It’s too soon. I could kill those guys, and I don’t want to do that,” Broos said, underscoring his commitment to nurturing talent responsibly.

As Bafana Bafana move forward, the focus on developing young players through gradual inclusion into the senior setup may well set the stage for a bright and prosperous era in South African football — one built on the lessons of past generations.