By Michael Madyira
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says the recent international friendlies were successful and that he has found new players to blend into the squad to ensure continuity.
South Africa drew 1-1 with Andorra last Thursday before sharing the spoils again in a 3-3 draw with Algeria on Tuesday.
Broos called up 10 fringe players and handed the likes of Patrick Maswanganyi, Tapelo Xoki, Elias Mokwana and Mlondi Mbanjwa their international debuts.
After previously publicly slamming some of the new players, Broos has something positive to say about those who impressed him.
Happy with some of the players he assessed ahead of June’s Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe, the Belgian is ready to make a few newcomers part of the team.
“Without mentioning names, I think some players convinced me,” Broos told Safa media.
“I don’t think it’s now the moment to say this one or that one … [it’s] a little too early.
“We will see in June, and that is the most important thing – those players who were with us, there are some … we can use in June.”
Broos is looking to refresh his squad after managing to guide Bafana to a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Top of his priorities is helping South Africa return to the World Cup. Failure could ring the death knell for his spell as Bafana’s coach.
One player almost sure to be retained for the June matches is Sekhukhune United midfielder Mokwana, who was on target in both Bafana’s games in North Africa.
But the likes of Khanyisa Mayo, Goodman Mosele, Iqraam Rayners and other debutants remain subjects of speculation for June, too.
Pictured above: Bafana Bafana players celebrating Themba Zwane’s goal.
Image source: Bafana Bafana
