Brooklyn Poggenpoel backed for regular Bafana Bafana role by Durban City coach

Durban City coach Khalil Ben Youssef believes Brooklyn Poggenpoel has the leadership, character and ability to become a regular member of the Bafana Bafana squad after giving the midfielder the captain’s armband in their CAF Confederation Cup match at the weekend.

Poggenpoel led Durban City against Burundian club Rukinzo FC despite regular captain Siphamandla Ncanana also starting the match. The decision came only days after Poggenpoel was called up by Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane.

Ben Youssef said the 24-year-old had earned the opportunity through his performances and attitude, while explaining why he considers Poggenpoel capable of making an impact at international level.

“Yeah, I think we have three captains in the team. Poggenpoel is performing very well. I think it was disappointing last season; he was on the preliminary list to be in the World Cup squad. Unfortunately for him, he wasn’t on the list, but now he is on the preliminary squad, and we hope that he will be part of Bafana Bafana because he is working really hard and deserves to be a part,” said Ben Youssef

Poggenpoel’s latest call-up represents another opportunity after he missed out on the World Cup squad last season. Ben Youssef said the player’s hard work had put him in contention once again and indicated that he deserved to be part of the national team.

Durban City hold a narrow 1-0 advantage over Rukinzo ahead of the second leg. However, Ben Youssef said he was unlikely to make significant changes for the trip, with the club’s lack of squad depth limiting his options.

The coach was also dissatisfied with Durban City’s overall display at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday. Although his team secured the win, he stressed that the second match remained the more important contest and expected a stronger performance from his players.

Ben Youssef, who guided Kaizer Chiefs to the group stages of the same competition last season, admitted that the first-leg scoreline left Durban City vulnerable. He believes the advantage is useful but far from decisive, particularly with the second leg due to be played on an artificial pitch.

“I think every win gives you confidence, but like I said, it’s not a safe result. If you win by more goals, it gives you more confidence. I think it’s a tricky result, so we need to prepare for the second game. It will be on an artificial pitch, so we need to prepare ourselves properly.”

The coach’s comments came as he balanced his support for Poggenpoel’s international prospects with the immediate demands of the CAF Confederation Cup tie. Durban City must protect their lead in unfamiliar conditions, with Ben Youssef warning that the result from Moses Mabhida Stadium had not provided enough security to ease their preparations for the return fixture.