All players in camp as Bafana gear up for Namibia, DR Congo
6 September 2023 – All the players that have been called up by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos for the international friendly matches against Namibia and DR Congo are in camp in Johannesburg following the arrival of Mihlali Mayambela and Lebo Mothiba.
Broos’ charges host Namibia on 9 September 2023 (kick off is at 15h00) and DR Congo on 12 September (17h00) at Orlando Stadium, and tickets to both matches are available at Ticketpro.
The South African senior men’s team coach had to make a few changes to the team he originally selected last month after injuries to certain payers forced his hand. But he does not see this as a set-back and views it as an opportunity to expand his pool, and evaluate other players.
“It’s okay that we have some injuries, but not ideal. We have depth and opportunity to give chances to those players who might add something new and different,” Broos said.
The team has kept winning over the past few months and maintaining this trajectory will be the foremost thought in the minds of fan as the side heads to the premier tournament on the continent – the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast in January.
“Winning is good, but what I want to see is what we can do, how we play, what we can produce and so for me to assess and see performance matters the most. We have good competition in neighbours Namibia and DR Congo with different styles of play – they play well but how will we play and how we will approach the game is really what I want to see.”
Asked if the team is switched on from a mental point of view, the coach said: “Mentally there’s been a big shift from a year ago. The mentality has shifted, and players know what is expected here in the national team. There was a hunger to be at AFCON. The mental aspect is very important, I almost think that if we replay our previous games that our result will be different due to the strong mental aspect we now have.”
The spirit remains high within the camp with the newer players settling in well, displaying an appetite to prove they can play.
The tickets for the two Bafana Bafana games are sold at all TicketPro outlets, including selected Total Energies garages, Sasol Garages, Caltex and Power Fashion. They are priced at R50 all around.