Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has warned his players not to be casual during the international friendly against Zambia at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday.
Bafana take on regional rivals Chipolopolo in this match both teams are using as part of their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco later in the year.
Bafana are in Group B with former champions Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe at Afcon while does not get any easier for Zambia who have hosts Morocco, Mali and minnows Comoros in Group A.
Broos urged players to approach the match with the same focus and mentality they showed during the FIFA World Cup and Afcon qualifiers over the past months.
“We are preparing for the friendly game against Zambia on Saturday but for me, friendly games do not exist,” he said adding a win over Zambia is important not only for consistency and morale but for rankings.
“Every game we have to be focused and concentrate fully and we have to try and win that game. It will not be any different for this game because I want to win on Saturday.
“It will not be a good thing if go and lose the game on Saturday. I am going to ask every player to focus and concentrate the same way we did during the qualifiers.
“It is not a qualifier but I will not accept players taking this game as a little holiday. I want to win on Saturday.”
Broos has invited players like Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi and Keletso Makgalwa and he urged them to grab their opportunities because there are a few Afcon spots available.
“It is also the last opportunity for me to see players like Makgalwa and Nemtajela a little bit more closer. They have performed well for their clubs and I think they deserve to be with us.
“Now it’s up to them to prove they are in the right place here, they are players for the future who can help us.”
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