Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has praised South Africa’s triumphant
Under-20 team but has firmly stated that their standout players will not be
fast-tracked into the senior squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations
(AFCON).
The Amajita, who are the reigning African champions, have impressed at the
ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, advancing to the last 16 with six
points from their group matches. Their success has sparked excitement about
potential senior call-ups for star performers like Tylon Smith, Lazola Maku,
Mfundo Vilakazi, and Siviwe Magidigidi.
However, Broos has tempered these expectations, emphasizing that the
transition is “much too soon” for the December tournament in Morocco.
“They are doing very well… I think for the future it’s very important, but
I don’t think we have to count on those guys for AFCON in December,” Broos
told media at a press conference in Dobsonville Stadium. “Let them make a
good World Cup and then we will see later on which players we can eventually
use.”
The senior coach highlighted that the U-20 team’s deep World Cup run is
invaluable for their long-term development and the future of Bafana Bafana.
He also pointed out that he is already integrating younger talent into the
senior setup, referencing players like Malibongwe Khoza and Thabang Matuludi
who were present at the conference.
Amajita now face Colombia in a Round of 16 clash on Wednesday, with a chance
to make history by becoming the first South African national team to reach
the quarter-finals of a FIFA World Cup at any level.
