Coach Hugo Broos admits final AFCON squad is fraught with complexities and emotional weight
On Monday, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos will announce his final 23-man squad for AFCON, after facing tough decisions amidst a wealth of talent.
Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates showed flashes of his usual self against Chippa United midweek. Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates showed flashes of his usual self against Chippa United midweek. He's probably done enough to secure a place in Bafana Bafana's AFCON squad.
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Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, will unveil his final 23-man AFCON squad in a live television broadcast on Monday.
Broos has acknowledged his selection will be fraught with complexities and emotional weight. Two years ago, Broos navigated the selection process with relative ease, but he now faces the challenge of choosing from an expanded pool of talent, highlighting the depth of South African football.
“I know that what was so easy two years ago will now be very difficult to do because we have more than 23 players who can go to AFCON and deserve to go to AFCON,” Broos recently said, signalling the stiff competition among players vying for coveted spots.
After naming the 55-player preliminary squad, Broos has prepared himself for the heart-wrenching reality of making intricate cuts.
“I will make decisions, and some of them will be painful for the players and also for me personally because it’s not a nice thing to drop a player,” he candidly shared.
This statement underscores the emotional stakes involved for both the coach and the hopefuls who have dedicated themselves to earning a place in the AFCON squad.
Broos, who took charge of the team in 2021, has been working tirelessly to build a cohesive squad capable of challenging for honours on the continental stage.
The squad announcement will not only highlight established stars but may also feature some young talents, reflecting a strategic balance that could reinvigorate the team. This blend of youth and experience is essential for the team to compete against the elite sides on the African continent.
The selected squad will report for a training camp in Tshwane on December 8, where they will begin final preparations for their campaign.
Bafana is in Group B alongside regional rivals Zimbabwe, Angola, and footballing heavyweight Egypt. The opening match against Angola on Monday, December 22, at the Marrakesh Stadium in the historical city of Marrakesh.
Zimbabwe’s Warriors, Angola’s Palancas Negras, and the Pharaohs of Egypt each bring unique challenges. The competition will ignite fierce local rivalries and rekindle the old footballing narratives that define the rich tapestry of African football.
Social media platforms are buzzing with speculation and fervent discussions amongst fans and pundits alike about which players will fill the coveted spots in the squad.
For South African footie fans, AFCON not only serves as a platform for national pride but also allows them to embrace the rich tapestry of African football culture.
As anticipation builds, there’s an undeniable sense of hope that Bafana Bafana can achieve a remarkable performance and reach the final in this year’s competition.
Bafana Bafana’s likely 23-man AFCON squad:
Goalkeepers (3): Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns). Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC).
Defenders (8): Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena (Sundowns), Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi (both Pirates), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK)
Midfielders (5): Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Luke le Roux (Portsmouth).
Forwards (7): Lyle Foster (Burnley FC), Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq), Oswin Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Sundowns).