Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has explained why part of him is happy that Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs are out of the Carling Knockout Cup.
Amakhosi and Masandawana were recently eliminated in the first round of the knockout competition. Chiefs lost 5-4 to Stellenbosch FC in the penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation time. On the same weekend, Downs were defeated by Marumo Gallants 7-6 in a penalty shootout.
Once again, Broos has provided an honest assessment of the domestic football calendar, expressing some frustration with the PSL schedule but also relief that the early exits of major clubs will help him prepare for the upcoming AFCON. Sundowns and Orlando Pirates dominated the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier national team side.
Regarding the national team’s upcoming camp, Broos mentioned that his preparations are being affected by the timing of the Carling Knockout Cup final. The Carling Knockout final is scheduled for the weekend of December 6, 2025.
BROOS: ‘I’M VERY HAPPY SUNDOWNS & CHIEFS ARE ALREADY OUT’
“Again, I hoped to start a little bit earlier, but yeah, for the second time, PSL didn’t want to collaborate a little bit because there’s the final of the Carling [Knockout Cup],” Broos said. “Maybe they don’t like it, but I’m very happy Sundowns and Chiefs already are out.”
The 73-year-old had hoped the PSL schedule would be stopped early to allow the national team to start preparations sooner. The Belgian coach expressed frustration similar to his sentiments during the last AFCON, where he criticised the PSL’s lack of cooperation with SAFA regarding the national team.
Meanwhile, Broos outlined the national team’s camp plans ahead of the AFCON tournament in Morocco. The team will begin camp on December 8 at the Pretoria University High Performance Centre and stay there until December 17, as they plan to be in Morocco five days before the opening match.
South Africa kick off their 2025 AFCON with a clash against Angola on 22 December at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, Morocco.
A friendly match is scheduled before departure, with opponents yet to be confirmed. Broos also hinted that they might play against Zambia on November 14.
The coach also mentioned that he will announce his final squad shortly before travelling to the FIFA World Cup Draw on December 5. Despite scheduling challenges, the AFCON-winning coach with Cameroon is determined to make the most of the available time to build on their bronze medal success at the previous AFCON tournament.
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