Broos Sees Maswanganyi’s Potential

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has heaped praise on Orlando Pirates attacker Patrick Maswanganyi following his impressive performances in both matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Broos, who is not one to shy away from airing things as they are, said Maswanganyi has potential and a lot of work needs to be done as he pushes him to replace Themba Zwane.  

The former Belgium international defender left Maswanganyi on the bench in the qualifiers against Uganda on Friday, but he came on the bench to score in the dying minute with a lovely take to see South Africa win 2-0.  

Broos then rewarded Maswanganyi with his first start as they won 3-0 against South Sudan at DHL Stadium on Tuesday, and he rewarded the coach by scoring the game’s second goal, taking advantage after the South Sudan goalkeeper spilled the ball before rolling in the empty net.  

Maswanganyi is being groomed to replace Zwane, who suffered an ACL injury against Congo last month and will be out for some time.    

“I’m very happy with the performance of Patrick. I said it before that we need to look for someone who can replace Themba,” Broos said after the game. 

“Unfortunately, we had to do it earlier. Because I wanted Themba to be with us now because I know how important he is for the team, but what Patrick showed on Tuesday, it makes me happy.  

“It’s not really what we want, but I asked him to play differently than at Pirates. 

“So, it is a little bit for him to adapt on the way we were playing, but he has the potential, otherwise, I wouldn’t have selected him.  

“With his game on Tuesday and also on Friday – he scored in both games and that will give him a boost of confidence. 

“I am happy with his performance, but he still has to improve. 

“He still needs to play that gives the passes, which is very important for us and he can, I’m sure he can.  

“But he needs a little bit of time. But in Tuesday’s game, he did what I asked and I’m happy with his performance.” 

Following both wins, it means Bafana Bafana rounded off what has been a successful 2024 having also claimed the bronze medal in the delayed AFCON 2023 that was hosted earlier this year in Ivory Coast.  

Achieving 14 points in Group K, it is the highest points Bafana Bafana has accumulated in the AFCON qualifiers, with Broos becoming the first coach to lead South Africa to back-to-back AFCON finals. 

With the AFCON qualifiers now complete, Bafana Bafana will have to wait to know the date of when the AFCON finals draw will take place, with the tournament taking place in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.

Picture courtesy of KMSnapsGraphics in Cape Town