Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has weighed in with a verdict on central defender Nkulumani Ndamane’s displays in national team colours.
The TS Galaxy man started his third match under Broos when South Africa edged Ghana in an international friendly match at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday. He partnered Nkosinathi Sibisi at the heart of defence and lasted the entire game as Bafana emerged unscathed from the contest.
Since making his national team debut in a friendly game against Tanzania in June, the 21-year-old has racked up five international caps, including two substitute appearances.
Interestingly, Bafana have kept four clean sheets in the matches Ndamane has been involved in. Now heading to the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco, Broos takes with him the lanky centre-back who passed through Kaizer Chiefs’ development structures.
BROOS ISSUES VERDICT ON NDAMANE AHEAD OF AFCON
“First of all, it’s already a fantastic thing for him that he can go with Bafana Bafana to AFCON. Secondly, every game that Khulumani has played, I was satisfied,” said Broos.
“Also, today [Tuesday] and the previous games he has played. So, I’m very happy with him. I know if there is something happening behind, I can always count on him. He proved again today that he deserves to be with us.
“So, for me, that is what makes me happy. Two years ago, we won games because there were guys on the bench who came in and decided the game.
“So, I’m very happy with him. If he is playing or if he is on the bench, I know I can always count on him.”
The Belgian appears a satisfied man with what is at his disposal in central defence, with Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Siyabonga Ngezana and newcomer Tylon Smith being the other options. The coach even had the luxury to drop Germany-based Ime Okon from his AFCON squad.
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