Hugo Broos’ challenge to Themba Zwane

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has thrown a challenge to national team returnee Themba Zwane.

The Bafana boss says he has searched for a younger player who can play the Zwane role but could not find anyone.

Broos has repeatedly snubbed the Mamelodi Sundowns talisman but eventually called him for the upcoming international friendlies against Botswana and Sierra Leone.

South Africa will entertain the Leone Stars on Saturday, 24 September [14:30], before taking on neighbours, the Zebras, on Tuesday, 27 September [17:30].

The two friendly matches will be played at FNB Stadium.

BROOS ON ZWANE

“We arrived at 12, and after that, we had lunch, so I haven’t spoken to him,” Broos told the media Dobsonville Stadium on Monday.

“I said it before; only fools don’t change their minds. I changed my mind….”

The Belgian mentor said his intention when he took over the Bafana job was to build a young team hence his insistence on ignoring Zwane, who is one of the best players in South Africa.

“I started here, and I tried to have a young team and everybody said what are you doing with these young boys, they don’t have experience, and we nearly went to World Cup.

“I also looked at the position that Themba plays, and I couldn’t find anyone.

“Themba is 33, so if we qualify, he will be 35, and I will not say it’s not possible,” he added.

Broos further said Zwane had what Bafana needed and challenged him to bring it into the team.

“I know what he can do. I’ve seen him at Sundowns. He has what we need, so it’s up to him.”

With the youthful squad he has, Broos will be looking to Zwane to provide leadership in the team as they build up to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers that resume in March next year.