Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is sticking to his guns. With AFCON just weeks away, the veteran mentor says there will be no last minute scramble to add more friendlies to the calendar. For him, the work has already been done.
South Africa heads into the tournament facing Angola, Egypt and Zambia in a competitive Group B. Broos is expected to name his final 23 man squad in the first week of December, before the team settles into a focused pre tournament camp in Tshwane.
Broos Says One Friendly Is Enough
After the recent 3-1 win over Zambia in Gqeberha, many wondered whether Broos might use the momentum to squeeze in another match or two. His answer was clear.
He believes Bafana have played more than enough African opposition over the past four years to understand what awaits them in Morocco. He explained that adding more friendlies now would not improve their readiness. Instead, he wants the squad to arrive fresh and fully focused.
Learning From Past Mistakes
Broos has repeatedly referenced the slow start that haunted Bafana at AFCON 2023. South Africa opened that tournament with a defeat, which created pressure in the remaining group stage fixtures.
This time, the coach is determined to rewrite that story. His entire plan is built around winning their first match against Angola in Marrakesh.
In any tournament, especially AFCON, a winning start can instantly ease nerves, boost confidence and create breathing room going into tougher fixtures. Broos does not want a repeat of last year’s nail biting scenario where every point became a battle.
A Measured, Calculated Approach
Despite criticism from some fans who believe more match time could help iron out weaknesses, Broos insists quality matters more than quantity. His focus is on tactical sharpness, physical recovery, and getting his squad as close to 100 percent as possible before their opening whistle.
It is a strategy based on his experience in international football. And while opinions differ, many supporters online have echoed the sentiment that continuity and stability may serve Bafana better than a rushed schedule.
Looking Ahead To Next Year
Broos did hint that things will change in 2026 as Bafana prepare for the FIFA World Cup. He expects a different build up, potentially including a wider variety of opponents.
But for now, all eyes are on AFCON, and his message is simple: trust the process.
With the opening match against Angola already circled in red, South Africa will hope that Broos’ disciplined approach delivers the strong start he has promised.
Source: SABC Sport
Image Source: iDiski Times
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