Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has shed light on the decision to change the national team’s captaincy for the upcoming international friendly against Tanzania.
South Africa will take on the East African country at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday. They will also take on Mozambique at the same venue next Tuesday.
Upon their arrival in Polokwane on Monday, Broos had named Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi as the leader of the team. But while addressing the media ahead of the match against Tanzania, Broos revealed why Stellenbosch FC defender Fawaaz Basadien will now captain the side.
WHY HUGO BROOS HAS MADE A CHANGE IN THE BAFANA BAFANA CAPTAINCY
“It’s a question of who will play the first game. So, Sibisi will play the second game,” explained Broos. “He is our captain, but as I said, I want to give play time to everyone. So you have to look a little bit to see who I will put in the team. You can’t put all youngsters in one team.”
Broos added: “So you have to have a balance in your team. With the team that will play tomorrow, Fawaaz is the one who will play. So the choice was made very quickly.”
STELLENBOSCH FC DEFENDER LOOKING FORWARD TO LEADING BAFANA BAFANA
Basadien, who has been linked with a move to clubs such as Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, expressed his delight at leading the national team – Bafana Bafana for the first time.
“For me, I didn’t expect it to come so soon. But at the same time, it’s an honour and a privilege to be captain of the national team,” he said.
“It’s obviously one of the things you want to dream about growing up as a footballer. But I didn’t expect it to come as soon as it came, but I am ready and prepared to help those who are young in the team.
“When I first came into the team, there were guys who helped me. So I am willing to do that now with the young players.”
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