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Bros is willing to give fringe players a chance to participate in Africa Cup of Nations warm-up
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Bruce says the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) testimonial match against Ghana is a perfect opportunity to assess the fringe players in the team.
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South Africa will face a Ghana side made up of local players at the Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday (16:00) as the Black Stars failed to qualify for the continental competition.
With several European players yet to enter training camp and prepare to meet with teams in Morocco, Bros saw a glimmer of hope as he was able to assess the performance of fringe players.
“I think it would be different if everyone was here [in camp]we might play [regular] Team, we can even make corrections if needed. But now because they are not there, I think I can give opportunities to those players who have not played too many games with Bafana Bafana,” he said.
“I think players like this [Thabang] Mathurudi. I think we can give him a chance tomorrow [Tuesday] Playing with the team and getting used to the way the game is played a little bit.
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While the Belgian mentor is keen to give players with less game time a chance in the squad, he insists Bafana are not looking down on the Ghana B team and said their mission is to win.
“So, I say it’s a training match, not a tryout, but on the other hand I want to win the game. So, don’t think we’re going to make fun of this game tomorrow, but my players should make fun of this game,” Burrows added.
“We’re going to play like we always have and try to win. But again, sometimes you have to look at bad things as good and the good thing right now is that because these guys aren’t here we can give some minutes to other guys.”
Bafana, who are drawn in Group B with neighbors Zimbabwe, seven-time African champions Egypt and Angola, will play in the Africa Cup of Nations next Monday in Marrakech, Morocco.
