Broos shuts the door on extra friendlies as Bafana turn full focus to AFCON
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has put an end to speculation about additional warm-up matches ahead of next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, confirming that South Africa will not play any further friendlies before the tournament kicks off.
Broos’ men wrapped up the November international window with a convincing 3–1 victory over Zambia in Gqeberha — their only match of the break. The limited schedule had raised eyebrows, but the Belgian made it clear that the Chipolopolo clash was always intended to be the final tune-up before AFCON.
“We don’t need more friendlies” – Broos
Speaking after the match, the coach dismissed suggestions of squeezing in more fixtures, insisting that an overload of games at this stage would be counterproductive.
“No, there won’t be extra matches. We played one game and I don’t like to play two or three more before we go,” Broos said.
“We’ve played enough against African teams over the past four years — almost exclusively, in fact. We know African football; we don’t need more games.”
Broos stressed that the focus now shifts from match practice to fine-tuning sharpness, conditioning and tactical cohesion ahead of the demanding continental showpiece.
Possible reasons behind Broos’ decision
While he did not expand in detail, the coach’s stance points to several underlying considerations:
Player fatigue management: Many Bafana regulars are coming off heavy club schedules, and unnecessary friendlies could increase the risk of injuries.
Avoiding tactical exposure: Additional games would give opponents more footage and scouting material ahead of the tournament.
Protecting squad confidence: A poor result so close to AFCON could create unnecessary pressure.
Controlled preparation: Broos prefers an intensive training-camp environment over matches that may lack structure or competitive balance.
Eyes on Angola in opening game
South Africa face Angola, Egypt and Zambia in a competitive Group B, and Broos is expected to confirm his final 23-man squad in early December before the team assembles in Tshwane.
The coach emphasised that the mistakes of AFCON 2024 — where Bafana opened with a defeat to Mali — cannot be repeated.
“I want to win that first game. It gives you a big advantage in a tournament, certainly during the group phase,” Broos said.
“Last time we didn’t win our opener and suddenly the second and third games became complicated. We want to avoid that. We want to start by winning against Angola.”
With no further friendlies scheduled, Broos is banking on a focused, well-managed camp to ensure Bafana Bafana arrive in Morocco at full strength and ready to deliver a statement in their opening match.