Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named a final 23-member squad for the FIFA Series international friendlies pilot project in Algeria.
The event will be played from 18 to 26 March 2024. The first match is against Andorra on Thursday, 21 March 2024 at the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba before facing the hosts on Tuesday, 26 March 2024 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
Coach Broos see this friendly games as a great opportunity to give young players a chance to show if they are ready to play at the highest level.
“Certainly, I am also looking to the future. I said it already, there are a few players in our group who will be 35, 34, 36 when the FIFA World Cup is jointly hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America in 2026,” Broos said.
“So yes, we have to look for replacements also. Firstly, we have to see those games as an opportunity to give new players, younger players, to show if they are at Bafana Bafana level. Secondly, we are playing against two different styles of opponents. On one side you have Andorra and you can compare them to Namibia. So, a tough team, a team who will wait and try to be dangerous in transition.
“On the other side you have Algeria, ranked fifth in the CAF rankings. So that means you have two different styles, and it is good for the South African senior men’s team, certainly also to play against Andorra, but certainly to play against such a good team like Algeria.
“They have a new coach, they will have new players also in their selection. So, it will be a good test for those new players who are with us to prove themselves. Therefore, those friendly games are important, and you have to get the results if you want to keep your 10th place or maybe progress even further in the CAF ranking.”
Full Squad:
Written by: Diski Voice
