Bafana Bafana outdid themselves in this 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) after they reached the knockout stages and eliminated Morocco in the last 16 stage. Against all expectations, coach Hugo Broos’ young guns held their own and showed an intent to revive Bafana as a powerhouse on the African continent once again.
With the 2025 Afcon (to be held in Morocco) qualifiers getting under way in March and the 2026 Fifa World Cup, drawing nearer at incredible speed, team SA is looking
solid, and the future is looking promising.
When the well-travelled Broos took over in June 2021, he found a team in shambles. A bunch of over-the-hill players such as Itumeleng Khune, Thulani Serero, Andile Jali, Thulani “Tyson” Hlatshwayo, Kermit Erasmus, Bongani Zungu, Kamohelo Mokotjo and Dean Furman, to mention but a few, were still regulars and they had just failed to book a spot in the 2022 Afcon tournament.
Broos made wholesome changes that went against the status quo. He criticised the standard of the PSL and took a swipe at South African players because they were not known in European Leagues.
He was attacked for speaking the truth that people did not want to hear and was branded arrogant and disrespectful. But Broos had a plan, he had previously won Afcon trophy with Cameroon, where he encountered similar issues when he took over.
Broos has built a decent team and provided Mzansi with many options and players who will still fly the SA flag for many years to come. Sunday World takes a look at some of the future stars that Broos has unearthed:
Teboho Mokoena (27): The Mamelodi Sundowns midfield maestro is on top of his game at both club and national team level. Mokoena is a vital cog in the national team and also at the Brazilians.
(23): The Orlando Pirates forward is growing in stature and is becoming Bafana’s most trusted goal poacher. If he remains consistent, he is likely to emulate Phil “Chippa” Masinga.
Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole (24): The KwaZulu-Natal man-mountain is destined for bigger and better things. He made the midfield holding position his own at this Afcon.
Thapelo Maseko (20): The whopping R19-million that Sundowns spent when they purchased Maseko did not go to waste at all. The dribbling wizard is now staking a claim in the team at such a young age.
Mihlali Mayambela (25): The Cape Town-born player has gained immeasurable experience after spending so many years playing in the Swedish league.
Njabulo Blom (24): He may have not made the final cut for Afcon but the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder is one of Broos’ most trusted players. On his day, Blom can unlock any defence and create goals for his teammates.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane (23): The hard-running former Maritzburg United missed Afcon by a whisker after a dip in form. His speed and knack for goals has made him an instant hit at MLS outfit Minnesotta United. He is one of Broos’ favourites.
Lyle Foster (23): He is playing in the best league in the world, the English Premiership and that is every youngster’s wish and dream. The 23-year-old Burnley striker is tipped to become a superstar in the coming years.
Terrence Mashego (27): Had it not been for injuries, Mashego would have been at the top of the perking order in terms of the left-back position. He is technically sound and is a good reader of the game. He still has three years to go before he turns 30.
Khanyisa Mayo (25): He is following in the footsteps of his dad, Patrick Mayo, who was also a regular in the national team set-up. The Cape Town City striker won the Golden Boot last season and is among the top scorers this season.
Oswin Appollis (22): The young Polokwane City forward is definitely one for the future. He’s got all the time in the world to break into the Bafana team and to make a name for himself in the process.
Jayden Adams (22): The highly-talented Stellenbosch FC midfielder will be boosted by being selected as part of the Afcon team. This will arm him with a wealth of experience going forward.
