By OBAKENG MAJE

Bafana Bafana’s bronze medal achievement at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire a few months ago is a reflection of what the team is capable of, and Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has a confident outlook as he prepares his charges for two tricky 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this month.

The South African senior men’s national team face Nigeria’s Super Eagles away from home in Uyo on Friday, 7 June 2024 and then return home to host Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 11 June 2024.

A candid Broos shared his concerns and happiness to the members of the media in Dobsonville, Soweto, as Bafana Bafana prepare to depart for Uyo  by charter flight on Wednesday morning.

“We all witnessed the cup final (between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates in Mbombela) over the weekend, so it goes without saying that we have injuries. Due to a hamstring injury, Grant Kekana left the camp this morning and has been replaced by Given Msimango of Kaizer Chiefs.

“We have other injuries from the Sundowns players that played like Khuliso Mudau, Ronwen Williams and a few others. But we are confident that after the medical department’s assessment, all will be well. It is still a concern though,” he said.

Broos further said traversing the African continent is not easy and there have been many a tale told about how difficult it is, often flying for hours and trekking by road to reach distant destinations. He added that they have to say that they are travelling by charter to Nigeria and thanks to a big financial effort by SAFA to ensure that they are fit and rested to take on Nigeria on their home turf.

“This is always in our best interests, so I want to thank them immensely,” said Broos.

Bafana Bafana face Nigeria on Wednesday at 20h00 local time at Godswill Akpabio Stadium and return to South Africa on Saturday ahead of their clash against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, 11 June 2024 in Bloemfontein at the Free State Stadium.

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