HERMAN GIBBS
Hugo Broos has expressed his confidence in the Mamelodi Sundowns talisman Themba Zwane who will make his debut as Bafana Bafana’s captain in today’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda at the Orlando Stadium.
The Belgian tactician Broos had to find a replacement for the regular captain Ronwen Williams who is recovering from surgery.
Broos said Zwane has the demeanour to do well as a captain, and he’ll follow in the footsteps of Williams who has a high success rate as the national team leader.
“I decided to take Themba because he has the respect of the technical staff and the players,” said Broos. He is the right man in the right place.
“I think he can give the team the victories we need. Ronwen has been very successful over the last two years and Themba can give us a good start – a much-needed victory at the start of these qualifiers.
“It’s very important to start well, and not fall behind. Starting well will put pressure on our opponents (the other Group K teams).”
The lack of game time, except for Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC players, has been a concern for Broos since the national squad reported for training on Monday. However, it appears Broos has worked his magic, and the seasoned coach feels the players are fighting fit for their Afcon opener against Uganda’s Cranes.
“I was a little bit afraid about the lack of competitive matches most of the players had going into this match. After a few days in camp, I am sure, not a little bit, that the team will be ready.
“Their lack of game time will not be a problem. The guys are in a happy frame of mind, and they are motivated as they always are in training. I am a happy coach, after what I have seen and felt in training.”
The national squad rarely convenes, and Broos has no injury concerns, but this time the “medical rooms are empty rather than full” and all the players are fit.
“It is a long time since we did not have injuries in camp. All the players are fit and that is a good sign,” said Broos.
“We need to achieve our best levels of playing, like we did in our previous games. We must play our best football. The only important thing is the result. After 90 minutes we need a victory. If we get the victory, we can go for another victory next Tuesday in South Sudan.”
Bafana Bafana have proved to be a hard nut to crack at home and have won all five home games this year. The side has conceded only two goals in five matches.
Uganda’s form away from home has been patchy, winning three and losing four of their seven games on the road. They have conceded goals in each of their last 10 games.
In their most recent home game against Algeria in June, they did well but lost 2-1.