Broos addresses concerns on the prelim squad, squad balance, and Rayners’ boost

Following the events of last night, at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House, where Broos settled on the names of the players that will be heading to the World Cup, there have been concerns that this could have been avoided with the naming of the final team directly. But Broos raises the important part of the matches that still had to be played this past weekend.

"You know, the fact that we were with 32 now we are certain because last Saturday there was still a competition game, or a competition day, so there could always be injuries. And also the fact that Sundowns had to play on Sunday the last leg of the Champions League, so also there we could have injuries," Broos said

READ: Hugo Broos clarifies Brandon Petersen’s omission from the World Cup squad

"You saw how Modiba and how Morena have been injured. Morena's was in the last minutes of the game. So it could always happen and if you choose our squad before those moments, then maybe after that you have to take players who are already disappointed but who you have to take back."

"And this is something I wanted to avoid. I know for the players maybe it was a little bit more difficult because now we were here with players who have to drop and they all wanted to be with the final squad. So for them maybe it was a little bit more difficult to accept."

"But I didn't want to have a situation that I had to take back players that I had disappointed before. So that's why we were here with 32 and that's why it was also for me an emotional moment to say to players, guys, I'm very sorry but you are not with the final squad."

Another area that’s important for Broos was the aerial strength in the team, and this is where the height of players like Olwethu Makhanya from Philadelphia Union in the US becomes important. This is where the team is going to be tested by a country like Czechia at the World Cup, and Broos says they had to address the issue of squad balance.

For the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this year, Broos only had 23 players available to travel with, but now he’s been allowed to take 26 after a long and grueling season. This has allowed him to bring in someone like Iqraam Rayners, a much-needed extra striker, who was on standby for the AFCON.

At the AFCON, there was a strong feeling that the team lacked some firepower, with Evidence Makgopa and Lyle Foster the only recognizable out-and-out strikers, but Broos says that wasn’t the main issue at the AFCON, as he reiterates on matters off the field that were affecting the team.