Hugo Broos' backup brigade: five players who must impress in Bafana Bafana friendlies

IOL News

2 days ago

BAFANA Bafana coach Hugo Broos will be looking to expand his player pool in the upcoming two friendlies. | BackpagePix
Image: Backpagepix
Bafana Bafana have been on an upward trend and will be eager to maintain their impressive form when they face Mozambique and Tanzania in two upcoming international friendlies. The first match kicks off this Wednesday against Mozambique at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium (3pm kick-off).
Coach Hugo Broos will be without several key players, particularly those from Mamelodi Sundowns, who are preparing for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, which begins in under two weeks.
This presents Broos with an ideal chance to test the depth of his squad and provide fringe players an opportunity to stake a claim. Here's a look at five players who need to make a strong impression: Sipho Chaine
Orlando Pirate's Sipho Chaine celebrates his team's third goal during their league game against Kaizer Chiefs in March ORLANDO Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is one player who has put up his hand with the absence of Ronwen Williams at Bafana Bafana. | AFP
Image: AFP
The Orlando Pirates goalkeeper has been biding his time behind Ronwen Williams, who is firmly established as the national team's first-choice keeper. With Williams unavailable, Chaine now has the chance to impress Broos and possibly challenge for the number one spot.
The 28-year-old has shown steady improvement under Jose Riveiro and played a key role in Pirates' recent successes. Now, with a rare opportunity at the international level, Chaine must deliver standout performances in these friendlies to put real pressure on Williams. Mbekezeli Mbokazi
One to keep an eye on Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has received his maiden call-up to the national team by Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
At just 19, Mbokazi has captured the attention of the South African football world after being promoted from the reserve team to the Buccaneers' senior squad, where he hardly put a foot wrong in the few appearances he made for the Sea Robbers last season.
Touted as a future star, Mbokazi has already featured in high-stakes matches and could be in line for his international debut. Should he get a run, these friendlies will test whether he can replicate his club form on the international stage. Oswin Appollis
Oswin Appollis of Polokwane City.
Image: Backpagepix
It hasn't been the smoothest season for the versatile midfielder, whose Polokwane City side just secured a top-eight finish on the final day of the campaign with a goalless draw against Kaizer Chiefs.
However, Broos has previously shown faith in players who may be out of form, helping them rediscover their best. Appollis will be hoping for similar support as he aims to return to top shape and prove his worth in the national setup. Patrick Maswanganyi
Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi. Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
One of the most consistent performers for Orlando Pirates in the 2024/25 season, Maswanganyi has already made a few appearances for Bafana, including scoring his first international goal against Uganda in an AFCON qualifier last November.
With uncertainty surrounding Themba Zwane's future at Sundowns, Maswanganyi now has a golden chance to make the attacking midfield position his own, especially with vital World Cup qualifiers on the horizon. Thabo Moloisane
STELLENBOSCH defence marshall Thabo Moloisane among the new faces in the Bafana Bafana suqad. | BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix