Broos: Bafana Camp “Most Difficult” Amidst Injuries And Venue Chaos
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has described the team’s current camp as one of the most difficult he’s experienced since taking over the national team in May 2021.
The team is preparing for two crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho on Friday and Nigeria on Tuesday, both of which will be held in Bloemfontein.
Broos is dealing with a host of challenges, including a rash of injuries to key players and concerns about the playing pitch, which was reported by Sportswire.
Venue Issues
The match against Lesotho was originally scheduled for Toyota Stadium, but the venue failed a recent FIFA inspection due to its poor condition. The damage was worsened after it hosted a Carling Currie Cup rugby match this past Friday.
As a result, the Lesotho match has been moved to the smaller Dr. Molemela Stadium. The status of Tuesday’s game against Nigeria at Toyota Stadium remains “touch and go.”
Injuries and Player Absences
On top of the venue problems, Broos is without several key players due to injury, including Themba Zwane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Ime Okon. Sipho Mbule and Thabo Moloisane have been called up to replace Maswanganyi and Okon, respectively.
Broos also noted that Fawaaz Basadien, who recently joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Stellenbosch, is not in good condition to play for the national team, and Thapelo Morena is also unavailable.
“I have to say that this is maybe one of the most difficult preparations I have had since I’m the coach of Bafana Bafana,” Broos said.
“We have a lot of injuries, important players. First of all, Sibisi, he is not here, Okon is injured, Themba was playing but he is injured, [Siphephelo] Sithole played his first game this weekend and he is still not here, [Deano] van Rooyen, Grant Kekana.”
Broos explained that it’s especially challenging to prepare for matches with such a short window. “We had to tell Maswanganyi to go home after the injury on Sunday [for his club Orlando Pirates against Chippa United]. The reason we took that decision, we are not sure if ‘Tito’ will be ready for that game on Friday. It is very difficult when you work in the national team where you only have three or four days to prepare the game. It is easier when you are a club coach because you have five, six weeks of pre-season and you have all trainings.”
The Road Ahead
Despite the challenges, Bafana Bafana is currently leading Group C with 13 points, followed by Rwanda and Benin, who each have eight points. There are four matches remaining in the qualifying campaign.
Broos emphasized the importance of staying focused on the Lesotho match first before thinking about the Super Eagles. “It’s a must-win match, and we cannot afford to lose points against Lesotho, but it doesn’t mean I underestimate that opponent. That’s the biggest mistake we can make, to think that it’s only Lesotho and we’ll win,” he said.
“Lesotho played against Nigeria last year, I think, and they are our neighbors, and you know how the neighbors are. We have to be careful, and we have to keep the pressure on the opponents. If we win the game on Friday, the job is done.”
Broos added that a win on Friday would put significant pressure on Nigeria, who are reportedly playing against Rwanda on Saturday. “If we win on Friday, there will be big pressure on their shoulders because then they have to win against Rwanda. Rwanda doesn’t want to lose, may not lose, to keep second place.”
Despite everything that’s happened, Broos remains confident in his team. “First of all, we have to win. Even with everything that happened in the last week, I am confident. I know the quality of the players. They are still strong enough to beat Lesotho. We have to be strong enough, we have to reach our best level, we have to fight.”
