Broos included eight Sundowns players in his final 26 man squad, citing their experience in high pressure CAF Champions League matches as a valuable asset ahead of the global tournament.
According to GOAL, The Belgian tactician had hoped to include versatile defender Thapelo Morena, but the Sundowns star was unable to recover from injury in time despite efforts from the national team’s medical staff.
With South Africa drawn into a challenging group, Broos feels the core of Sundowns players provides a solid foundation thanks to their regular exposure to continental football and demanding match environments.
Watch: Are Bafana Bafana ready for the World Cup?
“It’s very important to have players in the squad that are used to play on another level than PSL,” Broos explained during a recent press conference.
“I think with the players of Sundowns, they are a little bit used to play very important games with a lot of pressure.
“Certainly, for Sundowns, they always have the ambition to win that CAF Champions League.”
Broos also highlighted the influence the Sundowns players can have off the pitch, particularly in helping set standards for younger and less experienced squad members.
The coach believes their professionalism, mentality and approach to training can have a positive impact on the wider group as Bafana prepare for the biggest tournament in world football.
Broos expanded on this dynamic, stating: “So, it’s very important to have those players and also because there’s most of them in the squad.
“So, they can also affect other players in the attitude, the way of training and this is very important.
“This is a tournament on a higher level, you can’t even compare it with AFCON, this is more.
“You play against teams who are, let’s say 48 best teams of the world – it’s not the truth but oldest teams are very good teams.”
Alongside the Sundowns contingent, Broos is also looking to striker Lyle Foster for experience, with the forward having spent the season competing in the English Premier League with Burnley.
The Bafana coach feels the blend of continental and European experience within the squad will help prepare his players for the unique challenges of the World Cup, including playing in front of massive crowds and against some of the strongest teams in the world.
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“So, again it’s very important to have those [Sundowns] players, they can give experience to other players, to younger players.
“They know how it will be Thursday playing against 80 000 people against you.
“I’m happy that we have that experience here and Foster, who plays in the Premier League even though they were relegated, but he has experience of playing high-level football,” Broos concluded as he prepares his side for the clash against Mexico.
Photo: Philip Maeta/Gallo Images
