Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has explained the importance of playing Eswatini as his side is preparing for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2023 AFCON.
The 1996 AFCON champions will host Sihlangu Semnikati on Friday, 13 October at FNB Stadium and the kickoff is set for 6 pm.
Heading into the encounter, Bafana are the favourites to come out on top on the day. Broos’ charges are unbeaten in their last nine matches. They’ve registered six victories and three stalemates.
As for Eswatini, they have been struggling to grind the results recently. They finished AFCON qualifiers winless with three draws and three defeats.
HUGO BROOS SAYS PLAYING ESWATINI IS A CONTINUATION FROM NAMIBIA
According to Broos, they opted to play Eswatini because they are almost the same as last camp’s opponents Namibia.
Against the Brave Warriors, Bafana displayed a poor performance as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Orlando Stadium.
“We have two games now in front of us, first of all, Eswatini. Why Eswatini? Because we thought that this was the best preparation after Namibia for [FIFA World Cup] qualifiers in November,” said Broos.
“Those are teams who are playing a little bit the same way and the same style. It will not be teams who will try to win against us, but try not to lose. So and therefore again Eswatini is a good preparation.
“The result against Eswatini will be very important, I want to win against Eswatini and not have again the same problems like Namibia. We didn’t play well, we made some mistakes.”
HUGO BROOS ON FACING IVORY COAST AFTER ESWATINI
After Eswatini’s assignment, Bafana will fly to West Africa to face Ivory Coast on 17 October, a test Broos views as difficult.
“The Ivory Coast is a totally different match. It is more towards the Afcon, we are playing a strong team and they are in their home environment. It will be like being in the Afcon with a full stadium, a fantastic atmosphere against a good team.
“So I am very happy with the two opponents, Ivory Coast is something else. The performance is very important and I hope we can get a good and positive result,” he added.
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