4 September 2023 – Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos mentioned that his player list might not look that different from the team that won against Morocco in June, but there have had to be slight adjustments to the Belgian’s initial 23 man squad.
“We have had some injuries and called up other players, but this is okay. This gives me a chance to look at other players and what value they add in the national team.”
The friendlies which will take place in Johannesburg against neighbours Namibia and DR Congo are in preparation for what awaits the national team in January when they compete in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and Broos believes facing these teams will be invaluable.
Bafana Bafana are on a seven-game winning streak, having only drawn two games, but the coach is not hell-bent on winning only. “It is the performance that is important, it is the way we play and apply ourselves. Yes, we want to win, but winning in these two games is not everything.”
Due to injury, Pule Mmodi replaces Themba Zwane, Sphephelo Sithole comes in for Luke Le Roux and Teboho’s Mokoena’s replacement is Mlungisi Mbunjana.
South Africa square off against Namibia on Saturday 9 September 2023 followed by DR Congo on Tuesday 12 September, and both games will be played at Orlando Stadium.