Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is feeling positive about his team's chances at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco. With the tournament kicking off soon, Broos has revealed his final plans for the squad's preparation.
One More Friendly Before the Big Show
Unlike some other AFCON-bound teams who opted for two friendly matches during the recent FIFA international break, South Africa chose to play only one. This raised some eyebrows, but Broos believes his team will have enough time to fine-tune their combinations before the tournament begins. He confirmed they will play just one more friendly before heading to Morocco.
Why Just One More Game?
Broos explained his reasoning, stating that he doesn't like playing too many games right before a major tournament. He also feels that Bafana Bafana have played enough matches against African opposition in recent years and don't need more exposure before AFCON.
Morale Boost from Zambia Win
Bafana Bafana secured a morale-boosting 3-1 victory against Zambia in a recent friendly. This win came at a crucial time, providing the team with renewed confidence ahead of the continental showpiece. Broos also used the match as an opportunity to assess his players and make informed decisions for his final AFCON squad.
Mokoena Reaches Milestone
The match against Zambia also marked a significant milestone for influential midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who celebrated his 50th appearance for the national team. Mokoena's dedication and commitment to South Africa were praised by SAFA vice president Linda Zwane.
Broos Remains Cautious
Despite the positive result against Zambia, Broos admitted that it wasn't Bafana Bafana's best performance. He felt the tempo was too slow in the first half. However, he was pleased that his team capitalized on their scoring opportunities. He is now focusing on ensuring the team is fully prepared for the challenges that await them in Morocco. Can Bafana Bafana carry their winning momentum into AFCON? Only time will tell!