Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has admitted that the pressure is mounting ahead of South Africa’s final FIFA World Cup squad announcement, revealing that heartbreak awaits some players dreaming of representing the country on football’s biggest stage.
The Belgian mentor is expected to announce his final 26-man squad on May 27, but already admits the selection process has become one of the toughest tasks of his coaching career.
Broos explained that drawing up the initial list of 50 players was simple, but reducing the squad has now become extremely difficult as competition for places intensifies.
“It’s an exciting time for me because a few weeks ago, we made a list of 50 players. That was easy because picking 50 players is easy,” said Broos.
“But choosing the players who must report for camp on Monday was more difficult. The hardest part will be next week when we announce the final 26-man squad.”
The experienced coach warned that not every player will walk away satisfied once the final list is revealed.
“I am sure there will be players who will not be happy. There will be players who will be very disappointed. But those are the decisions I have to make,” he added.
Broos, however, says he remains confident that he and assistant coach Helman Mkhalele will make the correct choices for the national team.
“I have a good assistant in Helman. On Monday and Tuesday, we will continue with meetings to make sure we select the right players,” said Broos.
South Africans now wait anxiously as the countdown to the final World Cup squad announcement continues.