Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos hopes the situation of Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau at Mamelodi Sundowns changes soon, or he will be forced to make a tough decision he dreads.
Mokoena and Mudau have been crucial members of the Bafana squad for the past three years under Broos’ mentorship.
The two proved their importance when the national team claimed an emphatic 5-0 victory over Congo Brazzaville where Mokoena scored an impressive brace during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers in Gqeberha.
But Broos’ concern is the players have enjoyed less game time at Sundowns under the leadership of coach Manqoba Mngqithi with an alleged breakdown of relationship said to be the cause.
Broos said Mokoena might have used his performance on the field to prove his Mngqithi wrong.
“I’ve known Teboho for maybe about three years now, I think he had his first selection when I became the coach here,” Broos said.
“And the progression that Teboho has made here in the last two years is enormous. He has become a very, very good player.
“I know today (on Friday) he was extra motivated to show his Sundowns coach that it was not right to put him on the bench or not to select him.
“This is what I like, not words, no talking but just the performance,” Broos said.
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Mokoena hasn’t played for Sundowns in the Betway Premiership and Caf Champions League. He only made three appearances in the MTN8.
Mudau also featured in the MTN8 and only played 16 minutes in the Betway Premiership clash against Kaizer Chiefs.
“When I said a few days ago that I have to accept and respect the decision (by Sundowns coach) but I can’t agree. I think today he (Mokoena) proved why I can’t agree that he is not playing at Sundowns,” Broos said.
“But OK, this is not our problem. Also, for Khuliso I put my whole confidence in those players because I know what they (are capable of). I know how good and important they are for the team.
“I just pray to God that maybe at Sundowns they change their minds, and the guys get opportunities to play again because if that situation stays for a long term, I will have to take decisions I don’t like to make. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.”
Bafana are in Congo for the corresponding fixture that will take place at Stade Alphonse Massamba-Débat in Brazzaville at 18:00, South African time.
A win for Broos’ men will see the South Africans confirm their place in the Afcon finals in Morocco with two games to spare.
