Despite noticeable absences of core group of players, Hugo Broos explains he is 'not afraid' for his youthful squad as Bafana Bafana prepare to tackle Lesotho in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
In a matter of hours, Bafana will be doing battle with neighbours Lesotho in a World Cup qualifier that is seen as a prelude to a mouthwatering clash against Nigeria on Tuesday, both matches taking place at the Free State Stadium.
READ | Furious Cardoso hits out: Why must I win every game!?
Broos will be without the majority of his regulars.
Players such as Themba Zwane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Grant Kekana, Khuliso Mudau and Elias Mokwana are not part of the final three due to either injury or lack of playing time at club level.
The Belgian has selected a squad that includes young guns in the form of Mduduzi Shabalala, Mohau Nkota, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
"You know what changed with Bafana Bafana from two years ago is that now we have options," a confident Broos told journalists at the pre-match press conference on Thursday.
"I think when such things happen, that so many players are not here because of injuries or not playing at their clubs, we would be in big trouble.
"This is not the case anymore now. We have players, and you can discuss which one is a little better than the other, but I am not afraid. I am not afraid because those players are not there.
"I saw what I saw at training with those young guys. They are so motivated and they give 100 percent.
READ | Mako's surprise confession over Chiefs move
"So, tomorrow, whoever plays or whoever starts, I will not be on the bench like, 'Oh this' or, 'Oh, this one'. I'm very confident."
South Africa occupy top spot in Group C with two more fixtures lined up in October.
Kick-off is at 18:00.
