Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has revealed that the early Carling
Knockout exits of Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs could be a strategic
advantage for his national team’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
preparations.
With higher expectations following their third-place finish in the last
edition, Broos is fine-tuning his plans for the tournament in December.
While he ideally wanted a longer training camp, he acknowledged that the PSL
schedule, specifically the Carling Knockout final, has limited his options.
However, the elimination of two clubs with a large contingent of Bafana
players has softened the blow. “Maybe they don’t like to hear it, but I am
very happy that Chiefs and Sundowns already are out,” Broos stated candidly
during a SAFA round table discussion.
The coach outlined his preparation schedule, confirming the team will camp
at Tuks in Pretoria from December 8th to 17th before departing for Morocco.
A friendly match is being arranged, likely against Zambia on November 14th,
before the final squad announcement.
Broos’ own schedule is equally busy, involving a trip to Belgium to see his
family before attending the FIFA World Cup draw in Washington. He will
return to South Africa on December 7th to immediately begin the camp.
Bafana Bafana have been drawn in a challenging AFCON Group B alongside
Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe.
