‘I choose the squad, no one else will influence that’ – Broos asserts authority over South Africa selection

South Africa’s head coach Hugo Broos has reaffirmed his authority over squad selection, dismissing any external influence ahead of Bafana Bafana’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Broos and his team will host Lesotho on Friday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane before traveling to Abidjan to face Benin next Tuesday.

As anticipation builds, Broos has made it clear that player selection is strictly his decision, regardless of outside opinions.

“When a player is ready, I will call him up, regardless of whether he’s from Chippa United, Sundowns, or Polokwane City,” Broos stated. “It will always be me who chooses the players for the national team.”

The Belgian coach dismissed any suggestion of external pressure dictating his decisions.

“You can say what you want, but if I don’t want a player in the squad, I won’t call him. These players are here because they deserve it, not because someone else wants them in the team,” he insisted.

There has been one change in the squad, with Vuyo Letlapa of Sekhukhune United replacing Aubrey Modiba, who withdrew after welcoming a newborn child. Broos fully supported the midfielder’s decision, emphasizing that family comes first.

“Aubrey has a bigger role to play right now. His wife gave birth, and that’s more important than football,” Broos said.
High stakes in Group C

Bafana Bafana currently sit second in Group C, tied on points with leaders Rwanda, who have a superior goal difference. With only the top team securing an automatic spot at the 2026 World Cup, every match is crucial.

Having suffered a 2-0 defeat to Rwanda in November, South Africa must bounce back in these qualifiers. Broos remains focused on Lesotho, warning that their COSOFA rivals will be highly motivated.

“Lesotho is a team that fights for each other and gives everything on the field,” Broos said. “Given that they are our neighbours, they will bring an added intensity when they face us. It will be a tough match.”

Despite the pressure, Bafana Bafana are enjoying an impressive 11-game unbeaten streak dating back to March 2023.

The return of Percy Tau and Lyle Foster will boost the attack, especially in the absence of creative playmaker Themba Zwane.