Cosafa
Broos targeting AFCON qualification, names final squad
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has named his final 23 player squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
The next batch of games will decide if the team will be taking part in the prestigious competition, which will be hosted in Morocco next year.
The South African national team is set to play against Uganda away from home at the Mandela National Stadium, and also against South Sudan at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
“These two games are very important. We can qualify for AFCON in Uganda if we win, but if we don’t, then we have to do it against South Sudan at home. So, these games are very important,” said Broos.
“It is also important for me that I can always count on nearly the same players. They know how we work, and they know what we ask from them in a game. So, there is no adaptation. You also create friendships between players when you always have nearly the same players.”
Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens earned a call up as well, and with Ricardo Goss injured, the shot stopper has added more depth into the national team setup.
“Now we have a new player in goalkeeper Sage Stephens because Ricardo Goss is injured. So, we had to choose a replacement,” Broos continued.
“He deserves to be here because he delivers fantastic performances with Stellenbosch. I’m sure that he will adapt very quickly to this group.”
“So, again, we will try to win the first game in Uganda so that when we come back, we have already qualified, and we have a relaxed game against South Sudan.”
Bafana Bafana final squad for AFCON qualifiers:
Goalkeepers – Ronwen Williams, Sage Stephens, Sipho Chaine
Defenders – Sydney Mobbie, Mothobi Mvala, Rushwin Dortley, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Fawaaz Basadien, Siyabona Ngezana
Midfielders – Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Luke Le Roux, Thalente Mbatha
Forwards – Mihlali Mayambela, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Elias Mokwana, Thapelo Morena, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Iqraam Rayners
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