Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos will pin his hopes on a few of his trusted soldiers when his side look to seal qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Bafana will battle Liberia in crunch back-to-back Afcon qualifiers, starting at home on Friday, 24 March, at Orlando Stadium before travelling to face them at Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex on Tuesday, 28 March.
Bafana’s route to qualification seems simple enough, they need to beat the Lone Stars, and that would more or less guarantee the second spot in the group.
Their group only has three teams fighting it out for two spots after Zimbabwe were banned by FIFA and will not be taking part in the qualifiers.
THE KEY PLAYERS FOR HUGO BROOS
Broos will look to some of his trusted players to play a big part in his side’s quest for Afcon qualification against the Lone Stars.
Goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams will continue to be one of the key players for Broos, having played a pivotal role so far.
The Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper has been Broos’ first choice since the Belgian took over, and he is one of the leaders in the squad.
At the back, Nyiko Mobbie is another trusted soldier for Broos with the Belgian insisting the Sekhukhune United defender has never let him down.
Mobbie got the nod over on-form Downs defender Khuliso Mudau and is most likely to play ahead of another Downs star Thapelo Morena.
One Sundowns player, though, who is set to feature for Broos is Teboho Mokoena with the Bafana mentor evidently a big fan of the midfielder.
Mokoena has been an ever-present figure in Broos’ midfield and is one of the players that the Belgian seems to trust more in the centre of midfield.
HUGO BROOS SWALLOWED HIS PRIDE
His teammate at Downs, Themba Zwane, has also worked his way into Broos’ plans and is now considered a pivotal member of the squad.
This is after the Belgian swallowed his pride and decided to call up the 33-year-old despite having initially overlooked him.
Broos’ most important player, however, could be Percy Tau with the Al Ahly forward hitting form in recent weeks.
He’s been a key player for the Egyptian giants since his return from injury and will hope to replicate his club form in national team colours.
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