As Bafana Bafana ramp up preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco later this month, head coach Hugo Broos has taken the opportunity to clarify his expectations for the three standby players.
The standby players — Mduduzi Shabalala, Iqraam Rayners and Thabo Moloisane — will remain at home when the squad flies out to Morocco. Broos has emphasised their crucial importance should the need arise due to injuries among the AFCON squad.
The 25-man squad announced on Monday showcases a blend of seasoned players and rising talent, with Broos calling up Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell alongside returning players Elias Mokwana and Relebohile Mofokeng.
This selection partially explains Rayners’ notable absence, as the Mamelodi Sundowns striker, a regular fixture over the past year, found himself overlooked in favour of other attacking talents such as Evidence Makgopa and Lyle Foster. Shabalala, representing Kaizer Chiefs, has also faced disappointment despite earning his first cap recently, highlighting the competitive edge of the national team’s attacking lineup and the difficult choices Broos had to make.
Nevertheless, the coach expressed optimism that these standby players remain ready and eager should their moment arrive.
“We must have players who know that if something happens with an injury or whatever, we can count on them,” Broos stated. “We will ask them to stay fit, train regularly, and maintain good health because at any moment, something could occur, and we must be ready.”
Broos, in his strategic approach, opted not to take the standby players to Morocco, reasoning that managing a larger squad during training can complicate preparations.
“Let’s hope that we don’t need them because that will mean we have a problem. On the other hand, I hope there will be a possibility for them to still come to Morocco,” he said.
The coach has established a clear timeline, commencing training next Monday while allowing Orlando Pirates players a brief respite after the Carling Knockout final this weekend. By Wednesday, the entire team should be in camp, culminating in a final friendly match on 16 December before departing for the tournament.
Broos further elaborated on his selection criteria, emphasising quality over quantity.
“The quality is the most important. It’s about having the best guy in those positions, the options I have to change tactics and adapt our play,” he explained.
“As we approach AFCON, we have gained invaluable experience over the past two years, and as a team, we are maturing.”
With these sentiments, Broos hopes to lead a stronger, more cohesive Bafana Bafana as they aim to make their mark on the continental stage.
