Poggenpoel put grief aside to seize Bafana Bafana debut

Brooklyn Poggenpoel says representing South Africa took priority over his personal grief as he made his Bafana Bafana debut during a camp affected by the death of his maternal grandfather.

The Durban City midfielder was mourning the loss during South Africa’s previous camp for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea. He was an unused substitute in the match against Guinea before making his international debut against Eritrea.

Poggenpoel was introduced after only 12 minutes, replacing the injured Bathusi Aubaas. The 27-year-old then started in the friendly against Egypt and has kept his place in the squad for Bafana Bafana’s successive AFCON qualifiers against Kenya.

Speaking at a media briefing at Milpark Stadium, Poggenpoel described the circumstances around his debut, which came on the same day his family suffered a bereavement in Cape Town.

“I think it’s an honour and privilege to represent your country. Everything that is happening in your personal life and outside, you have to put aside, you are not just representing yourself, it’s the nation as a whole, so like I said, it’s a privilege and honour to be here and you just put your best foot forward,” he said.

The former SuperSport United midfielder also said players at smaller PSL clubs should believe they can earn recognition at international level.

“I think everybody has got a fair chance in the league, the coach has given debuts to so many players in the last camp, I don’t think it’s about which club you play for, it’s just about performances at club level, so everybody gets a fair look.”

Poggenpoel added that working under experienced Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane had been particularly valuable for younger members of the squad.

“Obviously, it’s something really enjoyable to work with the coach because we’ve seen what he has done in the past and for us younger players to come and work with the coach it’s a great feeling, you learn a lot during a short space, it was really enjoyable,” he said.

Bafana Bafana will begin the first of their two matches against Benni McCarthy’s charges on Friday evening at Orlando Stadium.