Hugo Broos impressed with Periodization programme as AFCON camp gets underway

Speaking to the media just after their first training session in Stellenbosch, where they are based until Tuesday, Broos emphasized the need for the players to have a breather before coming to camp.

Dominated by players from the Premier Soccer League (PSL), and with the league’s programme only having finished last weekend, Broos says this was a no brainer.

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"I think also the four days that players have been off have been a very good thing. You know a lot of players were exhausted after the last game and they needed that four, five days off with the family, not thinking about football but when you are a professional after four, five days you need again the ball. That's what I saw today on training and it's a good sign," Broos said.

Periodization is the order of the day in a big tournament like the AFCON, and players from African Football League (AFL) inaugural champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who account for almost half of this 23-man squad, and someone like Percy Tau, who has had a hectic programme with Egyptian giants Al Ahly needed this breather.

Broos says just one week off football was necessary for some players.

"No, for some players yes but for other players it needed to be one week. Certainly, one week, not only physically but also mentally. When I think about the Sundowns players, not only in the competition but they had tough Champions League games with the traveling all over Africa. You know, one moment it's difficult mentally to get back to where you have to be to play those games and for those guys maybe four, five days is not enough," Broos explained.

The team had its first training session in Stellenbosch yesterday, with Broos confirming that all the 23 players are in camp, and are raring to go for the AFCON.

"First of all, I'm very happy that all 23 players are here. So, as you said it's a full team and we can start training with all players, it's always good. Secondly, maybe it's a little bit too soon but I have a feeling that those are the players who want to start, want to train and want to prepare for AFCON. So, ya it's a good feeling."