Hugo Broos, the head coach of South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, recently revealed the preliminary squad of 34 players for the final 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Morocco.
Broos’ Background
Broos is a Belgian football coach who has been in charge of the South African national team since May 2021. He has previously coached Cameroon, where he won the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Significant Changes to the Squad
Broos has been working hard to rebuild the Bafana Bafana team since he took on his role and has now made some significant changes to the squad.
Notable New Additions
One of the most notable new additions is Iqraam Rayners, a striker who plays for Cape Town City. Rayners has been in excellent form this season, scoring 11 goals in the league so far.
Another promising newcomer is Given Msimango, a defender who currently plays for TS Galaxy. Msimango has been impressive this season and will be looking to make his mark in the national team. Other new additions to the squad include Kobamelo Kodisang and Njabulo Blom.
Exclusion of Lyle Foster
However, the exclusion of Lyle Foster, a striker who plays for Burnley in the English Premier League, has left many fans puzzled. No explanation has been given for his omission from the squad, but it is likely that Broos has chosen to focus on younger players who have been performing well in the domestic league.
Lineup of Goalkeepers, Defenders, Midfielders, and Attackers
The Bafana Bafana preliminary squad features a strong lineup of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and attackers.
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Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Veli Mothwa, Ricardo Goss, and Melusi Buthelezi.
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Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie, Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Given Msimango, Innocent Maela, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Siyanda Xulu, Taariq Fielies, Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba, and Mothobi Mvala.
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Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Njabulo Blom, Grant Margeman, Miguel Timm, Sphelele Mkhulise, Luke Le Roux, Themba Zwane, and Thapelo Maseko.
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Attackers: Monnapule Saleng, Zakhele Lepasa, Cassius Mailula, Kobamelo Kodisang, Khanyisa Mayo, Mihlali Mayambela, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Percy Tau, Pule Mmodi, and Iqraam Rayners.
Anticipation for Final Squad
As anticipation builds for the clash with Morocco, fans eagerly await the announcement of the final Bafana Bafana squad. Broos will have some tough decisions to make in the coming weeks, as he looks to narrow down the squad to 23 players.
Thrilling Encounter Ahead
The match against Morocco is sure to be a thrilling encounter, and the Bafana Bafana team will be looking to put on a strong performance and secure a win.
