By Michael Madyira
Players previously snubbed by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos have an opportunity for a national team breakthrough during the upcoming international friendly matches.
South Africa is in Algeria for games against Andorra and the hosts.
They take on their European opponents on Thursday before facing Algeria on Tuesday.
Broos has taken with him some men who were previously bit-part national team players and struggled for full chances, despite turning out impressive performances for their clubs.
Headlining that list is Cape Town City forward Khanyisa Mayo, who was overlooked by the Belgian even after establishing himself as a top striker in the Premier Soccer League.
Also looking to impress Broos ahead of the resumption of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers are Goodman Mosele, Iqraam Rayners, Patrick Maswanganyi, Tapelo Xoki and Grant Margeman.
AmaZulu right-back Mlondi Mbanjwa and Sekhukhune United’s Elias Mokwana are also aiming to stake their claim in the national side.
“The games will give me an opportunity to look at new players,” Broos told the media.
“As I said, we have started to look for new players for the 2026 Fifa World Cup because there are some players we might have to replace for the tournament.”
Bafana faces Andorra – known as whipping boys in Europe – in the first match.
Broos said Andorra “are not a top team in Europe, far from it, but they lose games by close margins, usually 1-0 or 1-2. This means it will be tough. It is also a different style.
“I am also happy with the match against Algeria. They are one of the best teams in Africa. I am happy that we are playing these two games.”
After the March friendlies, Bafana will switch focus to a trip in June to Nigeria for a World Cup qualifier, as well as hosting Zimbabwe the same month.
Pictured above: Bafana Bafana players going through their paces in Annaba, Algeria on Tuesday.
Image source: Bafana Bafana
