Ghana Friendly: Final Audition for Bafana Fringe Players?
Bafana Bafana’s final warm-up against Ghana has opened a valuable window for fringe players to stake a claim—or justify their inclusion—ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Head coach Hugo Broos says Tuesday’s send-off match at Dobsonville Stadium presents the ideal testing ground, with several Europe-based regulars yet to join camp and set to meet the squad in Morocco. Ghana, meanwhile, arrive with a locally based side after failing to qualify for the tournament.
With the usual starters unavailable, Broos plans to use the opportunity to assess players who have seen limited minutes in national colours.
“If everyone was here, we would probably play with the regular team,” Broos explained. “But because some players are not here, it gives me the chance to give opportunities to those who haven’t played much with Bafana.”
The Belgian coach pointed to defenders such as Thabang Matuludi as examples of players who could benefit from meaningful game time to adapt to Bafana’s playing style and demands.
Despite the experimental element, Broos was quick to dismiss any suggestion that the match lacks importance.
“I said it’s a training game, not a selection game—but I still want to win it,” he stressed. “We don’t take games for a laugh. We will play the way we always do and try to win.”
Bafana Bafana open their AFCON Group B campaign next Monday in Marrakech against Angola, before facing Zimbabwe and seven-time champions Egypt. With tough fixtures looming, Tuesday’s friendly may prove decisive for players on the margins.