Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has given his verdict on the performance of the national team’s newcomers following the goalless draw in an international friendly against Tanzania in Polokwane on Friday.
Despite the 0-0 draw at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, which saw the new-look squad fire blanks, Broos found reason for optimism.
The friendly offered a chance for several players to make their Bafana Bafana debut, including Khulumani Ndamane, Renaldo Leaner and the Orlando Pirates trio of Deano Van Rooyen, Simphiwe Salepe, and Nkota Mohau. Notably, Stellenbosch FC star Fawaaz Basadien was handed the captain’s armband for the night.
Broos indicated that the performances from these fresh faces will significantly broaden his and the technical team’s selection options moving forward.
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“First of all, the way we select the team is to give players a chance to play for Bafana Bafana, but also to have a balance,” he told journalists after the match.
“I remember that the first team we selected when the 11 were on paper, we said, oh, shit, there are seven or eight players from [Orlando] Pirates, and we decided that we are not going to do that. So we needed to find a balance. Like Selepe and [Thalente] Mbatha, they are used to playing together.
“So that helped those guys. Next week it will be [Mbekezeli] Mbokazi and [Nkosinathi] Sibisi. So we looked at that. So that’s the way we select these teams. The performance against Tanzania will give us more choices in the future, younger choices,” added Broos.
BAFANA BAFANA NEW PLAYERS IMPRESS THE NEW COACH DURING THE DRAW AGAINST TANZANIA
Broos offered a forward-looking perspective on the Bafana Bafana squad, emphasising the need for rejuvenation within the team.
He also underscored the developmental purpose of these friendly encounters, highlighting that they serve as crucial opportunities for players to step up and demonstrate their capabilities.
“I said before that little by little, Bafana is getting old. So we have to look at the future, and if you look at the performance from the young guys [against Tanzania], you can only be happy,” he declared.
“Today [Friday], I was just curious in terms of how this team will react on the pitch, and the reaction was good. So I expect the same thing next Tuesday. It will also be important for a good performance. This is what these games are meant for. It’s up to the players.”
Broos’ troops will take on Mozambique in their next match on Tuesday night at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
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