Hugo Broos confident, but cautious ahead of AFCON squad announcement

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has his work cut out for him as he faces a tricky selection task when he announces his final 23-member squad for the AFCON finals in Morocco next month.

Bafana have been on an upward trajectory in recent months, having qualified for both the upcoming continental showpiece and the 2026 Fifa World Cup with impressive top finishes in their respective groups.

As such, Broos is fully aware that if it weren’t for the players’ effort and performances, Bafana wouldn’t be on the rise or counted among the favourites for AFCON.

To maintain that momentum and reward his players’ hard work, Broos is expected to stick with the core of his regular squad for the tournament in North Africa.

He also knows that he must prepare for eventualities such as loss of form and injuries, while acknowledging that some in-form players can’t be ignored.

The silver-haired Belgian admitted that he’ll face arguably his toughest selection as Bafana coach but said he’s ready to make the hard decisions as that comes with the territory.

“It’s not difficult to notice that 80% to 85% (of the AFCON squad) is known. I have it in my head,” Broos said. “With the rest of the players, we’ll see what happens until the end of the month.

“I will announce the final 23-member squad a week before we assemble for camp on December 8. There are some decisions to make. If you look at the current squad, Relebohile Mofokeng, (Siyabonga) Ngezana and a few others are not there. So I have to make choices, and they’ll be made.

“It won’t be easy. It was easier two years ago when we went to Ivory Coast for AFCON. I didn’t have those problems. But it’s fine, it’s my job. It will be a tough one, but the choices have to be made.”

Broos was speaking during his squad announcement for the international friendly against Zambia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium next Saturday (6 pm, kick-off), where he once again faced tough selection decisions.

While he stuck with mostly his tried and tested players for the friendly, he also handed call-ups to two newcomers: Masindi Nemtajela and Keletso Makgalwa. Their inclusion meant that Broos dropped Mduduzi Shabalala and Iqraam Rayners.

With Shabalala having been in good form at Kaizer Chiefs, his omission came as a surprise, but Broos explained why he opted for the Orlando Pirates midfielder instead.

“Nemtajela has put in some really good performances at Pirates,” Broos said. “So I had to call him up and see how he behaves in training and within the group. That’s why Shabalala is not there.

“It’s not a question of him not playing well, and it’s not that I don’t want him anymore — no! But again, this is the final phase of our last friendly matches. So the only reason is that I wanted to see Nemtajela in the team.

“If he shows he’s at Bafana Bafana’s level, then there’s no need to look for other reasons beyond that.”

Broos also made a bold declaration at Safa House, saying that Thembinkosi Lorch has no future in his team now or in the future.

Lorch has been in fine form for Wydad Casablanca in Morocco, and expectations were high that Broos might consider calling him up for the friendly against Chipolopolo to assess his readiness for AFCON.

“You also have to look at his age. This is not the future. I am very sorry. And if I didn’t have other options, then okay, maybe I would select him,” said Broos.

“But again, for Lorch, even though he’s performing well in Morocco, I don’t see why I should take him with the team.”

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers:

Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine 

Defenders:

Khuliso Mudau, Thabang Matuludi, Thabo Moloisane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Midfielders:

Teboho Mokoena, Masindi Nemtajela, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Sipho Mbule

Forwards:

Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, Keletso Makgalwa