Hugo Broos condemns FIFA’s AFCON decision

Bafana currently have 21 players in camp as preparations for AFCON 2025 intensify.

The remaining four squad members—those based in Europe—are only expected to join up with the team in Morocco next week, following FIFA’s contentious decision to allow clubs to release players from the 15th of this month. 

Broos has described this ruling as disruptive to African teams’ preparations.

"And Ivory Coast and Senegal and Mali who have only players who play abroad what are they going to do? So, they have their players next week the 15th and for Morocco, six days later they play their opening game,” Broos said.

“That means again what FIFA thinks about CAF, about Africa but I'm sure that there has been pressure from the European clubs to change the date. So, that's the reason why Ngezana Siyabonga], Campbell [Shandre], Foster [Lyle] and Sithole [Siphephelo] can't be here before next week. 

“I think it's not an opportunity to let them come after the weekend, if you take Sithole and Campbell and Foster, Foster is playing Saturday, so he can't be here on Monday. “Campbell is playing Sunday so he will not be here before Tuesday. Sithole is playing Saturday, he will be here on Monday but I don't think you can ask those players to travel and be here on Monday and take another flight to Morocco on Wednesday. 

“So, I think we will leave those players in their clubs and they will join us when we arrive in Morocco."

READ: Teen star Kgomotso Madiba takes leap to Brazil with eyes on Europe

Broos has also revealed that Romanian-based defender Siyabonga Ngezana still has a league game to play with his club, FC Steaua București (FCSB) next Monday, which will also delay his arrival in camp.

"For Ngezana, it's a little bit different, they are playing on Monday which means he can't play because it's the day they have to release their players. So we will call Ngezana the next day because tomorrow he's playing in the Euro league,” the coach added.

“So, we call him and maybe he can travel on Friday and be with us on Saturday. It's a little problem, it's not a big problem and I'm happy to be coach of a country where the majority of the players are local players because otherwise you can't start a camp, you have to start it next week. 

“So, I don't think that my colleagues in the other countries will be so happy for the moment."