WCQ: Why Hugo Broos Shouldn't Risk Teboho Mokoena in Bafana Bafana's Clash Against Benin

• Hugo Broos is preparing his Bafana Bafana squad for their next match in the World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic in Ivory Coast on Tuesday
• The Belgian coach confirmed after Lesotho's match that Teboho Mokoena might miss the clash against the Cheetahs in Abidjan
• A Sports journalist has told the former Club Brugge mentor to stick with his decision of not playing the Mamelodi Sundowns star against Benin as he has other options on the bench

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos confirmed in an interview after South Africa's 2-0 win over Lesotho that Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena might not feature against the Benin Republic on Tuesday.

The former SuperSport United midfielder has been a regular in Broos' squad in the national and at his club in all competitions this season.

The 28-year-old's constant involvement in club and country has taken a toll on his game, which shows he deserves a rest.

Read also

Kaizer Chiefs pushing hard to sign Bafana Bafana star from PSL rivals

Why Mokoena should not play against Benin

Sports Journalist, Uche Anuma, in an exclusive chat with Briefly News explained why Broos shouldn't risk Mokoena against Benin as it could ruin Sundowns season.

"As Broos confirmed that Mokoena might miss the Benin match, then he should keep it at that and not risk him for the game," he said.

"Broos is the coach, and he knows something most of us don't know, and letting him play the match and not giving him the rest that the Belgian said he deserves, it might be risky for the midfielder.

"He might be playing mind games with what he said during the interview, but if truly the player needs rest, then he should get it.

"There are options he can choose from the bench, there's Thalente Mbatha and Buthaasi Aubaas who can fit in perfectly in that position, and would deliver."

Anuma also shared his thoughts on Broos' comments about Jayden Adams and Relebohile Mofokeng after their top performance against the Crocodiles of Lesotho.

Read also

Kaizer Chiefs youngster rated as the best by Amakhosi goalkeeper trainer

"I hope Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will not fall for that comment Broos made on Adams and Mofokeng," he added.

"Those boys are playing on another level presently, and it would be difficult for him not to include them in his starting lineup even when they face the Super Eagles.

"I expect Mofokeng to start against Benin, he might bring in another midfielder for Adams even though I see no reason he shouldn't also get a back-to-back starting berth."

Bafana Bafana need a win against the Cheetahs which will solidify their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Group C leaders rather than going through play offs.

Players who deserve to start against Benin

Briefly News earlier reported that three Bafana Bafana star deserve to start against the Benin Republic in Abidjan on Tuesday.

The Belgian claimed their are no guaranteed spot for any of the South African squad members, but after Lesotho's clash some of the players proved themselves as a starter.

Source: Briefly News