Head coach Hugo Broos has explained why he believes Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi could be the solution in the long search for a replacement for an ageing Themba Zwane in the Bafana Bafana squad.
South Africa is set to take Andorra and Algeria in international friendlies to be played towards the end of March as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers currently underway.
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While Broos made as many as 10 changes in the latest squad from the 23 that secured a bronze medal at the AFCON, veteran midfielder Themba Zwane keeps his place in the team.
However, the coach admits that in the long-term future, a replacement for the 34-year-old will be needed and that Maswanganyi could be that player.
"What I saw from him (Maswanganyi), I think he can be the one for the future to replace Themba Zwane," Broos told journalists on Monday shortly after announcing his squad.
"I saw him playing [last] Wednesday [against Cape Town Spurs] and after the game, we talked with Helman (Bafana assistant coach) and we said mmhm (had doubts).
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"But then I saw him playing on Saturday [against Chiefs], and he played a very good game and this is what I want to see from him in Bafana Bafana.
"So, when he can achieve that level also with us, he can be someone for the future. He can be someone who can replace Themba."
Maswanganyi may get his first chance to impress the Belgian mentor when Bafana take on Andorra on 21 March.
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