By Michael Madyira
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says he will field a much-changed team in Tuesday’s international friendly match against Algeria at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki.
After starting last Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Andorra with fringe players, the Belgian is set to heavily tamper with his team for the more challenging hosts.
Stellenbosch forward Iqraam Rayners is one player almost sure to start on Tuesday after coming off the bench the last time out.
“I gave chances to new players, we saw what we wanted to see and that’s the most important thing,” Broos told Safa media.
“We will see with Iqraam on Tuesday, he will play. There will be a lot of changes and I think it was the best opportunity to give those young guys a chance to play last Thursday.”
“They [Andorra] were not such a difficult opponent even if the game was difficult.”
Against Andorra, Broos handed national team debuts to the Orlando Pirates duo of attacker Patrick Maswanganyi and defender Tapelo Xoki as well as Elias Mokwana and Mlondi Mbanjwa.
Fringe players Khanisa Mayo, Goodman Mosele and Grant Margenman were also given a run.
But on Tuesday, regulars like captain Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane and Siyanda Xulu are almost certain to start.
“There is a lot of difference in quality between Andorra and Algeria so we need to field our best team on Tuesday,” the Belgian coach said.
“We can’t afford to do experiments again. So, it will be a totally different team with players who didn’t play on Thursday.”
“They will not be tired but fresh to play that game and we will need them.”
Bafana are preparing for the resumption of 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in June and victory would be crucial to boost their morale ahead of visiting Nigeria and hosting Zimbabwe.
Pictured above: Broos at training
Image source: Bafana Bafana
