Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has admitted to making a big mistake by leaving Themba Zwane from his squad.
Speaking to Prime Sports YouTuber and TimesLive sports journalist Mahlatse Mphahlele, coach Broos said it was not about Zwane but about his age.
“It was two years ago, and I was thinking that in two years’ time, we will be playing AFCON and the World Cup, so will he still be fit at that moment?… because it happens, some players reach the age of 32 or 33 and it is over for them.
“For me, I was thinking… Is there anybody else? A younger player?… and I have to admit, I cut my own finger with that one because look at how fit Themba still is, it’s amazing also, for his age,” said Broos.
He said Themba is a very important player and snubbing him is the only mistake he has made since he took the reins.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says Themba Zwane is one of the best players he's coached.
— Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) January 3, 2024
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He described Themba Zwane as someone who has real football qualities, saying that he is special and that one doesn’t have to tell him much.
“You don’t have to tell him so much. I certainly don’t tell him much, I just ask him to go out there and play football.
“He knows where he has to be, what he has to do when he is on the pitch. He feels it because he is technically good; he is a good player, he can give the pass and he can score. He is a very good football player.”
Bafana are set to open their AFCON campaign in a Group E clash against Mali at Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly in Korhogo on January 16 (22:00 SA time), then meet Namibia on January 21 and Tunisia on January 24.
