Hugo Broos left impressed by Bafana Bafana new brigade

All seven new players in this squad featured at Peter Mokaba Stadium, with no less than five debutants having been named in the starting line-up.

REPORT: Bafana held to goalless stalemate by Tanzania

Broos re-emphasised that the result was not the focal point, but certain aspects of the team’s and individuals’ performances were what the technical team would assess.

"We had a totally new team today, with players who never played together before – except those from the same team, so it was not easy," said Broos in his post-match briefing.

"I said before the game that the result is not important, and for me it was not. Certainly we wanted to win the game, and we could have because we had some chances, but the performance was more important and I'm happy with what I saw today.

"You don't have to underestimate the fact that if you bring 23 players together and select 11 to play a game – players who've never played together, that is not easy."

The Belgian also acknowledged the Taifa Stars' defensive efforts in restricting the Bafana attack, while stressing that he can't judge the newcomers too harshly.

"Also, the opponent was not easy – a team that plays behind the ball and then try on transition to be dangerous, I think, as far as I can imagine, there was no chance for Tanzania today – nothing, nothing," he added.

"So I couldn't have asked for more, I'm happy with the performance of some players – even very happy [in some cases], there were others that could have been better, but again, for the first time I can't be too harsh because the goodwill was there."

With Mozambique up next at the same venue next Tuesday, Broos revealed that the starting 11 will be a direct swap of those who were on the bench against Tanzania.

"For once, I think you will know the team before the [match] already because it will be the guys who were on the bench today, so it's very simple.

"It's up to them now to also play as good a game as the team from today, and then I will be satisfied and the reason we doing this is because I wanted to see more than I know.

"You can judge players when you see them in the PSL, but here is still a level higher and if you can give them the opportunity to play without pressure of, 'You have to win otherwise no qualification,' or whatever, it's a fantastic opportunity for those players."

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