Cape Town – Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has admitted that finalising his 23-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will be one of the toughest selection decisions of his tenure.
In a recent interview, he said, “I am already thinking about the day I have to announce 23 players. It will not be easy in certain positions.”
Broos explained that his technical staff used Bafana’s friendly win over Zambia to assess some of the less-used squad members and rising stars. “Today we gave playing time to players who haven’t played so much in the past … we saw how they react and are adapting to the team tactics,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with what he saw, particularly in the second half: “I think the guys today … we can use them … maybe already for the AFCON.”
Particular praise was reserved for 21-year-old central defender Khulumani Ndamane, who came on in the second half against Zambia. Broos noted that Ndamane had been solid in previous matches and that integrating him into the squad was part of a longer-term vision.
Despite having a clear idea of most of his squad, Broos says he still faces “some tough decisions.” He revealed that “about 75%” of the squad is already set in his mind, but added, “some will be painful for the players, but also for me personally.”
Broos also defended his approach to squad preparation, explaining that the friendly against Zambia would be his last before the tournament and that he sees no need for more fixtures.
“We don’t have to play another two or three games before we go — we played enough against African teams,” he said.
On some of the fringe players, Broos is very honest about the stakes. “I know that what was so easy two years ago will now be very difficult … because we have more than 23 players who can go to AFCON and who deserve it.”
He also took a moment to single out midfielder Sipho Mbule, praising his development and urging him to take his second chance:“It’s up to you now, you got your second chance. There’s Afcon, there’s the World Cup … It’s up to you if you want to go with us … I would like to see performances.”
Broos summed up his feelings about the selection task by acknowledging the emotional side of leaving players out: “Some decisions … will be painful for the players and also for me personally … it’s not a nice thing to drop a player.”
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
