Several players received their first national team call-up following the exclusion of Mamelodi Sundowns players. Bafana Bafana coach has urged the new recruits to seize this opportunity to show their capabilities.
South Africa is gearing up for their upcoming two friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday, 6 June and Tuesday, 10.
Sundowns players were not selected as they are preparing to partake in the FIFA Club World Cup taking place in the United States of America from 15 June to 13 July.
The exclusion of Downs gave an opportunity to several players, including Orlando Pirates quartet Deano Van Rooyen, Simphiwe Selepe, Mohau Nkota and Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Yanela Mbuthuma from Richards Bay, amongst others.
Broos said that, though it is important to be victorious in these matches but it is of great importance that the new players familiarise themselves with the national team set-up.
“The performance is the most important thing. We want to win the two games, and we will do everything to win them. But more importantly, it is the performance of the players, certainly the new players, and again, I will not put pressure on them. They just have to play their game, and then we will see, evaluate what we are going to do in the future,” he said on Monday in a media briefing session.
The Belgian coach also shared his take on the opponents, citing that they are formidable rivals.
“The opponents are not the strongest ones, but certainly not the weakest of Africa. Both countries were at the AFCON last year, so even Mozambique is in a good space to go to the World Cup next year.
“So this means there will be a good opponent in the two games, and therefore, again, I think it’s a good opportunity for everyone to prove themselves, to show their qualities,” he continued.
Broos also announced that Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi will captain the team in the absence of Ronwen Williams, the regular captain of Bafana.
“We had to search for a little bit. But I think with [Nkosinathi] Sibisi, we have a good captain. He has been with Bafana since I have been here. He is an experienced older player. He is a guy who has respect from everybody. So, I think he is a good player to replace [Ronwen] Williams,” Broos concluded.