Broos urges Bafana to treat Zambia clash as competitive test, not a friendly

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has made it clear that he does not view Saturday’s match against Zambia as a mere friendly, stressing that every game matters as the squad fine-tunes ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

He delivered those instructions at camp in Johannesburg ahead of the 6pm kickoff at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

Broos told players the team remains motivated after securing World Cup qualification last month and expects the same intensity against Zambia. He plans to field a strong side while also using the match to evaluate fresh options for the longer term.

New faces to be assessed

Among the newcomers Broos intends to look at are Orlando Pirates’ Masindi Nemtajela and Sekhukhune United’s Keletso Makgalwa, both rewarded for strong club form. The coach emphasised the need to test new players partly because injuries can force changes later, so match exposure now is valuable.

Broos signalled that while new players will get opportunities during the game, his priority remains getting a positive result as part of AFCON preparations. He expects the squad to approach the fixture with the same commitment shown in recent seasons and to use the occasion as a competitive rehearsal rather than a tune-up.

AFCON countdown and logistics

Broos also noted the practical challenges of arranging top-quality opposition ahead of AFCON, saying teams such as Nigeria, Cameroon, DR Congo and Gabon are often unavailable due to World Cup qualification commitments. He reiterated that formal AFCON preparations will begin in the first week of next month in Pretoria, just days before the tournament fixtures in Morocco.

The match in Gqeberha therefore serves a combined purpose: a competitive test against regional rivals and a chance to refine selection choices. Broos will be watching closely to see which new faces can handle pressure and deliver the kind of performances the national setup will need in the months ahead.