Coach Hugo Broos is cautiously optimistic about Bafana Bafana's untried squad

On the eve of Bafana Bafana's international friendly against Tanzania at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday evening, coach Hugo Broos expresses his satisfaction with the latest crop of players in his squad.

His comments come in the wake of the notable Mamelodi Sundowns absences, currently focused on their preparation for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.

Broos, who has been at the helm of the national team since 2021, articulated his satisfaction with the crop of mostly uncapped players who have stepped up to fill the void.

"This is an exciting time for us," he said. "I am pleased with the commitment and talent shown by these players. Their enthusiasm can only enhance the dynamism of our squad.

"I’m happy with what I saw in the past few days of this new and young group of players, and not only what I saw on the pitch but also outside the pitch.”

The coach acknowledged that initial hesitance among the players is normal, especially as many were meeting for the first time in a national team context.

“It was a little bit quiet in the first few days,” he noted, “but I think this is normal. There are many new players in the national team; they know each other as opponents, but it’s always different when you are in the same team. You see each other from the moment you wake up till the moment you go to sleep.”

With the atmosphere gradually lifting, Broos is keen to unleash the potential of his squad as they prepare to face Tanzania on home soil.

“On the pitch at training, I see a very motivated group, a group that is aware of the opportunity they have got to play for the national team and a group that also knows that with the opportunity they have got now, they have to try and grab it with both hands,” he commended.

Stellenbosch FC defender Fawaaz Basadien, the appointed captain for this pivotal game, is hoping for a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of their previous encounter in the same stadium. Reflecting on that unforgettable day, Basadien noted: “The last time we played here in Polokwane, we played in a packed stadium, so I expect the same, and hopefully, the turnout will be exactly like it was the last time we played here.”

The clash against Tanzania will kick off at 19:30 and will serve not only as a platform for new talent but also as a moment of pride for the national team and its supporters.