Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos will opt for a blend of experience and youth in AFCON squad
When coach Hugo Broos names his squad for AFCON, expect familiar faces to lead Bafana Bafana’s charge in Morocco to tackle fierce competition.
Don’t expect to see the name Themba Zwane when the final squad is announced. His inclusion in the preliminary squad was merely a goodwill gesture by coach Hugo Broos.
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Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is likely to reveal the AFCON squad that leans heavily on tried-and-tested talents as he prepares for the challenges in Morocco.
With less than a month to go until the tournament kicks off, Broos’ emphasis on seasoned players suggests a strategy aimed at maximising experience amid fierce competition.
In recent weeks, Broos has experimented with several line-ups in friendly matches, a clear indication of his desire to strike the right balance between youth and experience. Broos is inclined to stick with familiar faces who have previously donned the national jersey with pride.
Key players, known for their leadership qualities and match-readiness, are likely to feature prominently in Broos’ final squad announcement. Experienced midfielders and defenders will be at the forefront, providing the backbone the team needs for success on the continental stage.
Broos will opt for seasoned players comfortable under pressure, alongside emerging talents who can bring fresh energy to the side. Broos believes that a blend of youth and experience will be pivotal in navigating the challenges posed by formidable opponents at AFCON.
The 23-player contingent will likely include three goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns). Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates) and Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC). Of late, Chaine has been outstanding for Pirates.
There are likely to be five midfielders in the squad. This area is one of Bafana Bafana’s strengths. The surprise inclusion could be Luke le Roux of Portsmouth. He was not selected for recent Bafana Bafana matches as Broos wanted him to adjust to his new club. The manager there, John Mousinho, said Le Roux’s play has benefited from the international break because his standard is now at the required Portsmouth level.
The other four midfielders are near certainties: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela) and Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates).
Among the forwards, the competition will be hot, although five players have done enough to secure their AFCON tickets.
They are Lyle Foster (Burnley FC), Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq), Oswin Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, and Sipho Mbule (all Orlando Pirates). There will likely be room for two more. One berth could go to Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng. Elias Mokwana has been outstanding in the Saudi Pro League and could be a surprise inclusion.
Don’t expect to see the name Themba Zwane. He has hardly been in action because of nagging injuries. His inclusion in the preliminary squad was merely a goodwill gesture by Broos.
The defence contingent could be the selectors’ most challenging part, and eight places remain in the 23-player squad. Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba (Sundowns), Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Nkosinathi Sibisi (both Pirates) look like automatic choices. Broos has shown faith in Thapelo Morena (Sundowns), who often delivers when coming off the bench. He is likely to get the nod.
The Romanian-based Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB) is among the best defenders available to Bafana Bafana, but was missing from the last two qualifiers. Broos explained he wanted to see other defenders in action, and time will tell if that was really the case.
Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK) and Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC) have strong claims to the remaining two berths.
True to form, SAFA have not said when it will name the final squad. However, the latest note from their media department, “watch this space,” suggests a typical spur-of-the-moment announcement.