Hugo Broos Praises Mamelodi Sundowns Star’s Big Impact Ahead of Nigeria Showdown

• Hugo Broos has singled out a Mamelodi Sundowns star for praise ahead of Bafana Bafana's clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria
• The Belgian tactician is satisfied with the performance of the PSL star, especially in training
• Bafana Bafana fans shared their thoughts on Broos' views on the player on social media

Hugo Broos may have discovered a star for Bafana Bafana during their 3-0 victory over Lesotho in a World Cup qualifier as they prepare to face Nigeria.

South Africa are top of Group C with 16 points and are edging closer to securing the ticket for next year's FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America.

The Belgian tactician has been looking forward to sealing the World Cup ticket for Bafana Bafana, but must avoid defeat in their next match against the Super Eagles.

Broos hails Sundowns star ahead of Nigeria tie

Broos says he was encouraged by what he saw in training ahead of the Lesotho clash, especially from the new additions to the squad.

"As I mentioned during the press conference yesterday, the training sessions gave me a lot of confidence, particularly with how the new players performed," Broos said.

He singled out debutant Zuko Mdunyelwa, who was called into action just five minutes into the match due to an injury to Siwele FC's Nyiko Mobbie.

"It’s never easy to be thrown into your first game so early, but Zuko handled it very well. I felt confident in him based on what I’d seen during training, and he didn’t disappoint."

Unfortunately, Mobbie’s injury has ruled him out of the upcoming match, and Broos confirmed a replacement would be brought in, ultimately calling up Kaizer Chiefs defender Thabiso Monyane.

"Mobbie’s injury isn’t too serious, but he won’t be available. We needed to call up someone new, and I made that decision shortly after the match," Broos explained.

He admitted the injury setback was the only downside of the otherwise positive performance, crediting Lesotho’s physicality as a contributing factor.

"That was perhaps the only negative from the game, but injuries are part of football, especially against a team as aggressive and motivated as Lesotho," he said. "Still, there’s no need to panic. We’re in a strong position, and our focus now is on maintaining that momentum ahead of Tuesday’s game."

Reactions as Broos hails Zuko

RanotsiSipho said:

"Broos like robust powerful hardworking players, there was no way he wasn't going to fall in love with players like Zuko, Sebelebele & Mbokazi. They are a great addition to the pool, we are taking Afcon here."

Kgomotso Moema wrote:

"Zuko can replace Mobbie moving forward even when Mudau and Morena are available."

Sabie shared:

"Zuko and mbokanzi 🔥 we are blessed"

ntuthukosilo added:

"Zuko is good at defending, and he doesn't lose the ball cheaply. His problem is that he is not offensive."

Favourite to win the South Africa vs Nigeria clash

Briefly News also reported that a Nigerian sports analyst has named the favourite to win the South Africa vs Super Eagles tie in their upcoming World Cup qualifier.

The match is expected to be a close encounter, but one of the teams has been predicted to be the favourite to win the tie.

Source: Briefly News