Matthew Booth weighs in on Bafana’s final squad for the AFCON
Former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth has weighed in on the 23-man squad that coach Hugo Broos selected to represent the national team at the 2023 AFCON finals.
The elite continental football competition will be hosted in Ivory Coast from 13 January to 11 February as African teams will be battling out for the crown.
The 1996 AFCON champions are in Group E alongside Tunisia, Mali and neighbours Namibia. The Hugo Broos-coached side will be making an appearance after missing out on the 2021 edition. The competition was held in Cameroon, and they failed to qualify.
MATTHEW BOOTH SAYS BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD IS WELL-BALANCED
Booth says Broos assembled a well-balanced team that is made up of youth, talent and experienced players.
“I’m quite happy with the squad overall. We got an exciting attacking force, which is good to see, looking good,” Booth told FARPost.
“There’s also a few versatile players; Mothobi Mvala who plays as a centre-back, but can play at that number six role.
“We’ve got cover at right-back and left-back, with Grant Kekana possibly playing on the side. Jayden Adams as an eight, Thapelo Maseko and Thapelo Morena are obviously wide players.
“I’m sure Themba Zwane will play that number 10 role. Sphephelo Sithole and Teboho Mokoena will be those two sixes, with Mokwena venturing forward.
“There are some players who perhaps deserved to travel and be part of the squad. But I think that’s a sign showing that the squad has more depth than usual. This is good to see and healthy for South African football.”
Bafana’s first test in Ivory Coast will be on Tuesday, 16 January, as they will face off against West African side Mali.
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