Bafana Bafana are set to face Mozambique in an international friendly at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane tonight, offering a golden opportunity for young players to prove their worth. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM CAT. Coach Hugo Broos is using this match to assess the depth of his squad, especially with key players from Mamelodi Sundowns participating in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Following a goalless draw against Tanzania last Friday, Broos is keen to see what his younger squad members can bring to the table. He emphasized the importance of giving everyone a chance to showcase their abilities on the pitch. "Tomorrow’s game will feature a completely different line-up from the one that played against Tanzania,” Broos stated. “I want to give everyone in camp a chance to express themselves on the pitch.”
Mozambique: A Formidable Opponent
Broos acknowledges that Mozambique is no pushover. He highlighted their strong performance in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and their impressive showing at Afcon 2024 in Ivory Coast. “They are certainly not a weak team, and this will be a valuable test for our young players,” he said.
Leadership on the Field
With regular captain Ronwen Williams unavailable, Nkosinathi Sibisi will wear the captain's armband against Mozambique. Sibisi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “It’s a huge honour to captain Bafana Bafana. I appreciate the coach’s confidence in me, and I’m ready to lead the team.” Fawaaz Basadien captained the side against Tanzania.
The Message to the Youngsters: Dala What You Must
Experienced midfielder Luke le Roux, with seven caps to his name, shared the message being passed on to the younger players: “Just to do your best and the rest will take care of itself.” Le Roux also highlighted the strong team spirit, stating, “Bafana Bafana are doing really well at the moment... we are a family off the pitch as well.”
Broos' Encouragement
Coach Hugo Broos encouraged the players to seize the opportunity, urging them to “dala what you must.” He noted the motivated group and their awareness of the chance to play for the national team. The match against Mozambique is more than just a friendly; it’s an audition for the future of Bafana Bafana.