Hugo Broos applauds domestic progress as Bafana turn to youth for World Cup push

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has expressed satisfaction with the progress made within South Africa’s domestic football scene in developing a new generation of young players ready to step up to the national team.

South Africa will take on Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday (6pm kick-off), before closing off their Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium a few days later. 

Bafana are currently in second place, level on 14 points with Benin, and both matches will be crucial as they look to secure qualification for next year’s global showpiece, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Speaking after announcing his latest 23-man squad, Broos highlighted the continued growth of local talent and named Mamelodi Sundowns defender Malibongwe Khoza among the new faces. The 21-year-old earned his maiden call-up following consistent performances for his club and country in both domestic and continental competitions.

Broos has faced a defensive headache in recent weeks, with several of his regulars either injured or struggling for form. As a result, he has been forced to rely on younger options such as Orlando Pirates centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has impressed with his composure and maturity.

The likes of Grant Kekana and Rushwin Dortley are still recovering from injury setbacks, while former Kaizer Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana is suspended for the next match.

Former SuperSport United defender Ime Okon has also joined the injury list, further reducing Broos’s options, while Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi has recovered from his recent injury.

Khoza’s selection comes as no surprise given his steady rise through the ranks. A product of the Sundowns youth academy, the young defender has carried over his excellent form from the recently concluded African Nations Championship (CHAN). His inclusion reflects Broos’s growing trust in the next generation of South African footballers.

The Belgian mentor said he was encouraged by the noticeable increase in opportunities for young players at domestic clubs compared to when he first took charge of Bafana four years ago.

“It’s important that those players get their chances at their clubs,” Broos said.

“Four years ago, it wasn’t like that. Players were 26 or 27, and when you asked about younger ones, people said they didn’t have experience. But how can they have experience if they don’t play?”

Broos has developed a reputation for boldly giving youngsters a chance. He previously handed early debuts to players such as Oswin Appollis and Khulumani Ndamane, who were playing for smaller clubs but showed promise and hunger to compete at the highest level.

“Maybe because of me, clubs started to play younger players,” he added.

“Now, in almost every team, you find youngsters being given opportunities. If they make it, good. The confidence from both the coach and the club is what helps them reach the national team.”

Broos also praised the COSAFA Cup for its role in preparing young players for international football but lamented that the competition is not always given the seriousness it deserves.

“If only COSAFA could be handled in a more serious manner — which I doubt will happen,” Broos said.

“Clubs would have to release their players during pre-season, but that’s unlikely. Still, many of the players now in the national team played COSAFA before, and it’s clear how valuable that experience is.”