Former Bafana Bafana defender Benson Mhlongo backs the 23-man squad selected for the AFCON finals to at least reach the knockout stages of the competition.
The squad that is set to assemble next week will compete in the tournament that is set to take place in Ivory Coast in January 2023.
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Mhlongo believes coach Hugo Broos has selected a very balanced squad.
"Fortunately it's a mixture of experience and youth," Mhlongo tells KickOff.
"The young boys deserve a chance, I'm happy he's got a bulk of Mamelodi Sundowns players for their experience in Africa, and they are doing well in the league. Let's hope their experience will rub off these young boys to carry the burden because it might be the last Afcon for the likes of Mshishi (Themba Zwane)," he added.
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"The selection didn't surprise me, because since knowing coach Hugo Broos, he is giving everyone a chance. He wants to give himself a pool of players moving forward, and he's got an eye for talent.
"I believe he is a brave coach. We need to support him and the boys. I see this Bafana team reaching the knockout stages, he's been chopping and changing the squad, and adding some new guys."
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