Hugo Broos’ backup brigade: five players who must impress in Bafana Bafana friendlies

Bafana Bafana have been on an upward trend and will be eager to maintain their impressive form when they face Mozambique and Tanzania in two upcoming international friendlies. The first match kicks off this Wednesday against Mozambique at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium (3pm kick-off).

Coach Hugo Broos will be without several key players, particularly those from Mamelodi Sundowns, who are preparing for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, which begins in under two weeks.

This presents Broos with an ideal chance to test the depth of his squad and provide fringe players an opportunity to stake a claim. Here’s a look at five players who need to make a strong impression:

Sipho Chaine

The Orlando Pirates goalkeeper has been biding his time behind Ronwen Williams, who is firmly established as the national team’s first-choice keeper. With Williams unavailable, Chaine now has the chance to impress Broos and possibly challenge for the number one spot.

The 28-year-old has shown steady improvement under Jose Riveiro and played a key role in Pirates' recent successes. Now, with a rare opportunity at the international level, Chaine must deliver standout performances in these friendlies to put real pressure on Williams.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi

At just 19, Mbokazi has captured the attention of the South African football world after being promoted from the reserve team to the Buccaneers’ senior squad, where he hardly put a foot wrong in the few appearances he made for the Sea Robbers last season.

Touted as a future star, Mbokazi has already featured in high-stakes matches and could be in line for his international debut. Should he get a run, these friendlies will test whether he can replicate his club form on the international stage.

Oswin Appollis

It hasn’t been the smoothest season for the versatile midfielder, whose Polokwane City side just secured a top-eight finish on the final day of the campaign with a goalless draw against Kaizer Chiefs.

However, Broos has previously shown faith in players who may be out of form, helping them rediscover their best. Appollis will be hoping for similar support as he aims to return to top shape and prove his worth in the national setup.

Patrick Maswanganyi

One of the most consistent performers for Orlando Pirates in the 2024/25 season, Maswanganyi has already made a few appearances for Bafana, including scoring his first international goal against Uganda in an AFCON qualifier last November.

With uncertainty surrounding Themba Zwane’s future at Sundowns, Maswanganyi now has a golden chance to make the attacking midfield position his own, especially with vital World Cup qualifiers on the horizon.

Thabo Moloisane

Stellenbosch FC’s Thabo Moloisane could feature in these friendlies with regular defender Grant Kekana absent.

A former Sundowns player, Moloisane has found his stride at Stellies, playing a pivotal role in their CAF Confederation Cup run, where they narrowly lost to Simba FC in the semi-finals.

The 26-year-old has been in and around the national team and will look to solidify his place by showing Broos the full extent of his capabilities.