Bafana coach Broos on Mokoena and Mudau’s situation at Sundowns
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has offered his insights on the current situation faced by Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau at Mamelodi Sundowns, where both players have struggled for regular playing time.
The highly-rated duo has been a hot topic of discussion since the start of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season. Mokoena and Mudau have been subjected to limited game time under the leadership of head coach Manqoba Mngqithi at Sundowns.
Mokoena missed the last five matches in all competitions for Sundowns after last playing in the two-legged MTN8 semi-final, where Downs were knocked out of the competition by Stellenbosch FC with a 2-0 scoreline on aggregate.
In the absence of the holding midfielder, Mngqithi has preferred Rivaldo Coetzee, Sphelele Mkhulise, and Marcelo Allende to share the responsibility in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, Mudau was used as a second-half substitute when Sundowns defeated Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at FNB Stadium in the league last weekend. Before getting minutes against Amakhosi, the talented right-back last played against Stellies over a month ago in the MTN8.
The exclusion of Mudau and Mokoena comes as a big surprise after the duo played a huge role last season when the Brazilians won their seventh successive league title and the African Football League [AFL].
WHAT DID HUGO BROOS SAY ABOUT KHULISO MUDAU AND TEBOHO MOKOENA’S LACK OF GAME-TIME?
Despite struggling for game time, Mokoena and Mudau have been included in the Bafana Bafana squad that will face Congo Brazzaville on October 11th and 15th, 2024, in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
“I’m concerned, but what can I do? I have to respect the decisions of the Sundowns coach, and he thinks they are not good enough at the moment,” Broos said.
“That is a surprise for me. I know Khuliso and Teboho. That means Sundowns has very good players, but it’s okay. What can I do? I have to accept it and hope that the coach changes his mind and gives more playing time to Teboho and Khuliso because they are two very good players.
BROOS EAGER TO BUILD RELATIONSHIP WITH PSL COACHES AND CLUBS
He added: “…with [good relationships with clubs and coaches], we can solve the problem with Teboho and Khuliso by calling the coach and asking him why they are not playing and understanding. Let’s hope that we can have that meeting with PSL coaches in the end.
“I can’t tell a coach of a club that he has to play a certain player, but it is better to understand why that player is not playing by having a conversation with a coach of a club; now I only see and read what the [Sundowns] coach is saying in the [news] papers and sometimes we all know, a coach does not say the things the way they are to the media, I do it as well…”
In recent weeks, Mngqithi explained that Sundowns has a surplus of top-tier players who are currently making significant contributions.
This statement has fueled speculation about potential tensions between the players and the new coach, as well as the impact of Rulani Mokwena’s departure on team dynamics. However, the Sundowns coach also added that Mokoena and Mudau are still part of his plans.
“When I feel you’re not going to help the team at that point in time, I take the decision. But one thing is good: I am a very good human being and don’t keep grudges,” he said. “When you’re ready to perform and give the team what it needs, I will always embrace you.
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