Hugo Broos and Bafana vowed to finish top of the group despite qualification.
Broos, head coach of South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, addressed the media ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against South Sudan on Tuesday at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium. While South Africa has already secured their spot for the 2024 AFCON, Broos insists that finishing top of their group is a key objective. With the final group match ahead, Bafana Bafana aims to end their qualifiers on a high note and maintain momentum for the tournament.
“We are still not satisfied because we want to win the game tomorrow,” said Broos. Despite qualification being confirmed after South Sudan’s victory over Congo Brazzaville last Thursday, Broos emphasised that this match is far from a mere formality.
More than just a ‘Friendly’ match
Broos made it clear that his team is treating the match against South Sudan as an important one. “This is not a friendly game; for us, it is an important game because we want to be first in the group,” he stated. Bafana Bafana has demonstrated excellent form in the qualifiers so far, and the team’s desire to top the group remains undiminished.
Broos also highlighted the impact of the South African fans, saying, “We want to show something to the crowd that is coming to the stadium tomorrow.” Bafana Bafana’s recent performances in Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth were met with enthusiastic support, and the team is eager to deliver another thrilling performance in front of the home crowd.
“We had two amazing evenings in Bloemfontein and PE. With the crowd in the stadium and with a nice win. So we will do it tomorrow here in Cape Town,” Broos added. Underscoring the importance of the game in both sporting and emotional terms.
Sundowns players still part of Bafana
There have been questions surrounding the participation of Mamelodi Sundowns players in the qualifier. Especially with the club preparing for the Carling Knockout Final against Magesi FC. Broos reassured the public that the Sundowns players remain committed to Bafana Bafana for the duration of the qualifier.
“Sundowns players are still part of Bafana Bafana until tomorrow after the game,” Broos confirmed. “They will stay players of Bafana Bafana.”
This reassurance will come as a relief to fans who are eager to see the strongest possible lineup for this pivotal match.
Can Bafana Bafana finish group winners?
The stakes are high as Bafana Bafana face South Sudan, playing in Cape Town for the first time in nine years. Despite already securing qualification for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. Broos and his team are determined to put on a strong performance and claim victory to top their group.
With the match scheduled for 18:00 on Tuesday at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. All eyes will be on Bafana Bafana as they aim to cap off a successful AFCON qualifying campaign. The energy from the fans and the team’s determination could make this final qualifier a memorable one.
Bafana Bafana’s journey to AFCON glory is just beginning. And Hugo Broos is focused on making sure they finish this stage with the perfect result.
Stay tuned with The South African as Hugo Broos and Bafana vows to finish top of group.
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