While the COSAFA Cup gets underway in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, the senior men’s national team will be focusing on these friendlies with one eye on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Broos does not have his strongest squad available for these fixtures, as most of the Mamelodi Sundowns players are tied up with significant club commitments. This includes regular captain and first-choice goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams.

Nkosinathi Sibisi. Photo: X

Although the results of these matches are of secondary importance, the focus is on solid individual and team performances to help build the squad’s depth moving forward.

The Belgian coach confirmed that Nkosinathi Sibisi will wear the captain’s armband in Williams’ absence, as the Sundowns skipper prepares to travel to the United States for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

“The performance is the most important thing. Of course, we want to win both games, and we’ll do everything we can to achieve that,” said Broos.

“But more importantly, it’s about how the players perform, especially the new ones. I won’t put pressure on them – they just need to play their game. Afterwards, we’ll evaluate and decide on the way forward.

“The opponents aren’t the strongest on the continent, but they’re certainly not the weakest either. Both countries featured at AFCON last year, and Mozambique, in particular, are in a good position to qualify for next year’s World Cup.

Ronwen Williams. Photo: Morgan Piek

“So, we’ll be up against decent opposition, and it’s a great opportunity for everyone to prove themselves and showcase their quality.”

Bafana Bafana will face Tanzania on Friday night at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg