Broos assesses Bafana Bafana's Progress as TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Preparations continue

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos remained measured in his assessment of South Africa’s goalless draw against Tanzania on Friday night, emphasizing individual performances and team cohesion rather than direct comparisons between players. 

With the upcoming TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 looming, Broos used the friendly match as an opportunity to evaluate new talent and refine his squad ahead of the continental showpiece.  

Speaking to the media after the match, Broos made it clear that his focus was on assessing how players adapted to the challenge rather than ranking them against one another.  

"Something I may not do is comparing now. I mean, this should not be honest to the players. I just have to judge them on the performance they did," Broos stated. 

"I'm not saying Selepe is good, but Teboho is better. This is not what I'm going to do."

With several regulars absent, including Mamelodi Sundowns players due to club commitments, Broos fielded a new-look squad against a physical Tanzanian side. Despite the lack of goals, he was encouraged by the collective effort.  

"For me, again, the performance, the individual performance from each player and what I asked this afternoon on the pre-match meeting—to play as a team. Well, I saw a team on the picture there."  

While Tanzania posed a stern test, Broos found positives in the way his squad adapted. The absence of key Tanzanian players, including striker Mbwana Samatta, did not diminish the challenge, and Broos was pleased with how his team responded.  

"It's not an easy team, Tanzania. And there were a few guys who were not there, like the striker Samata was not there and a few others. But if you can make a performance against this team, like we did today, with a totally new team, then again, you have to be satisfied and you have to be happy."

Broos highlighted several standout performances, noting that some players exceeded expectations and could play a crucial role in Morocco.  

"And also the fact that there were a few players that pleased me very, very, very much. And this is good for the future."  

With the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON fast approaching, Broos is keen to expand his player pool and ensure the 1996 champions are well-prepared.