It is as if one of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’ wishes have come true.
A few months ago the South Africa’s senior men’s national team coach was hoping for another gap on the calendar to solidify a team that has been in the making for more than a year and as things have panned out, the footballing Gods have replied favourably.
Mozambique and Angola are set to lock horns against the Belgian’s charges at Mbombela stadium in Mpumalanga this week, and a full house and revved up players are the only ingredients needed for this pudding. The clash against the Mozambicans on Thursday, 17 November 2022 will kick off at 20h00 while the clash on Sunday 20 November 2022 is set for a 15h00 start.
There were, however, some disappointments at the start of the camp as Broos revealed in his opening press conference on Monday, 14 November 2022. Lyle Foster, Thibang Phete and Mihlali Mayambela will not be joining the camp due to injuries. They are replaced by Taariq Fielies and Bongokuhle Hlongwane. Late call-up Bathusi Aubaas from TS Galaxy is arrived in camp late on Monday while internationally-based Siyanda Xulu and Luke Le Roux will join the camp on Tuesday.
The team arrived in the tourist province on Sunday afternoon and had their first training session on Monday, one of the two planned for the day.
Captain Ronwen Williams said he is honoured to be leading the team once again, “This week we are taking it very seriously, we are hyped and ready to be the difference, especially with March (when the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers resume) not too far away.
Midfielder Miguel Timm voiced his happiness after receiving his call-up. “To support from the bench or be active on the pitch, there is no time to mess around. We want to win! There is the bigger picture which is always in the back of our minds.”
The two international friendlies will be the last for Bafana Bafana before the AFCON qualifiers in just over four months time.