Broos looks beyond his time as he brings in new and young for Bafana

Hugo Broos is already looking beyond his tenure as Bafana Bafana coach by giving more new and young players the opportunity to experience what it takes to play for the national team.

Several of these players are likely to receive major playing time in the friendly matches against Tanzania on Friday and Mozambique on Tuesday, both at Peter Mokaba Stadium (7.30pm), where Bafana played their last home match in March in their 2-0 World Cup qualifying win against Lesotho.

Players such as Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, left-back Samukele Kabini from Molde FK in Norway, Khulumani Ndamane of TS Galaxy, Mbekezeli Mbokazi from Orlando Pirates, Ndamulelo Maphangule of Polokwane City and Simphiwe Selepe from Pirates a chance to make their case for future selections.

Particular attention will be on new strikers Ashley Cupido from Stellenbosch FC, Tshepang Moremi of AmaZulu, Yanela Mbuthuma from Richards Bay FC, Mohau Nkota of Pirates, and Sinoxolo Kwayiba of Chippa United.

Broos explained the primary motivation in casting his net wide with many new faces in his squad for these friendlies was to allow new, young players to gain experience in matches where the result is not everything. 

Notably, no Mamelodi Sundowns players — who usually form a six to eight-player core of Bafana — are included in the squad. Downs are focused on their recovery from losing to Egyptian club Pyramids FC in the Caf Champions League final second leg on Sunday and preparing for the Fifa Club World Cup in the US that starts on June 14.

“The main reason is that I can give all those new young players playing time with Bafana Bafana without the pressure of thinking, ‘we have to win the game because of this or that,’” Broos said.

“These are friendly games; we'll certainly try to win, but if we lose both, what's the problem? It's crucial for me to see these players compete at this level against good opponents. It won’t be easy — Tanzania and Mozambique are strong teams. It's up to them to show if we can rely on them in the future.”

The “near future” Broos refers to may extend beyond his departure as Bafana coach after the 2026 Fifa World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the US in July next year, for which his team are on track for a first qualification for the global showpiece other than as hosts since 2002. The Belgian has frequently stated that after 40 years in coaching, he plans to spend more time with his family in Belgium. However, the longest-serving Bafana coach has not ruled out a consultant role with the South African Football Association.

Asked why Kabini was included in the squad, Broos explained that the fullback had been a standout player for TS Galaxy before transferring to Molde ahead of the 2024-25 season.

“He's a good left-back,” Broos said. “We wanted him last time, but his passport wasn't in order. We then called Vuyo Letlapa from Sekhukhune. Now that Letlapa is unavailable, I can give Kabini the opportunity. We saw Letlapa in the last camp, and we know what to expect from him.

“I previously saw Kabini playing with his team [Galaxy] and we discussed the possibility of selecting him, but it's risky to make such decisions during qualifiers. Now that we have the opportunity, let's hope he can prove himself.”

Broos clarified that being selected does not guarantee these players a chance to play regularly for Bafana. He can run the rule over players in a Bafana environment and friendly games, get a sense of who can be called on when needed to plug gaps in the future, who might be ready for something more regular, and the players get the taste of international football. He emphasised talent alone is not enough to be part of his team; off-field behaviour is also a crucial factor.

I will be 74 [by the time of the World Cup] and I plan to enjoy my family that I miss dearly. I often feel alone here, and some days are particularly tough because of that solitude. However, I am very happy here. If my family were present, it would make my happiness even greater.

—  Hugo Broos

“There are several attributes I consider when evaluating a player. For a young player, joining the national team is a special experience. Some players feel tense, some are calm, and others may not have the right attitude. We've seen players in the past who initially lacked the right mindset, but after 10 days, they understood their responsibilities.

“These are all aspects we examine. Playing for Bafana Bafana is a step up. We can see if a player is good but still needs improvement. However, this alone doesn't determine whether they play. It's a complex decision-making process, and ultimately, it becomes the player's responsibility.”

If the new players seize their opportunities in the two friendlies, one or two may earn their spot as South Africa negotiates its final four World Cup qualifiers in September and October against Nigeria, Lesotho, Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Looking beyond those matches, Broos will lead his team to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco in December and January, where Bafana start among the favourites after winning bronze at last year's tournament in Ivory Coast.

If Bafana qualifies for the World Cup, it will provide Broos with a fitting finale as coach. The Belgian has surprised himself by staying with Bafana for so long but is clear about his plans beyond the World Cup.

“Next year I turn 74. When I first came here, I was given a five-year contract, and I never expected to complete it. Five years in football is a long time. However, I am still here, and I believe I will remain until the end of my contract.

“I will be 74 [by the time of the World Cup] and I plan to enjoy my family that I miss dearly. I often feel alone here, and some days are particularly tough because of that solitude. However, I am very happy here. If my family were present, it would make my happiness even greater.”

Broos is already taking a more relaxed approach, delegating most of his physical duties to long-time assistant and former Bafana player Helman Mkhalele.

“For training sessions, that's already Helman's responsibility. We create a weekly programme, and I simply observe the training. In the past, I would be at the front with my white paper, planning out what needed to be done tomorrow or the day before a game. I no longer enjoy that. I still love coaching, but it's important to know when to step back.”

Broos expressed his willingness to assist Safa in an advisory capacity, where he wouldn't need to work full-time and could operate remotely from his home in Belgium.

“Perhaps I could contribute to the South African federation in the future, but not in a day-to-day role. Maybe I could help by following South African players in Europe or something similar.

“But definitely not a day-to-day job where I have to engage with the media and answer challenging questions.”