This came after South Africa's impressive 4-0 drubbing of Sierra Leone at Soccer City on Saturday in their first of two international friendlies.

Broos had been reluctant to re-call the 33-year-old Zwane to the national side, however, he gave the player go on Saturday.

Zwane answered his re-call with a brace of goals and Broos said that the player could be the missing link they had been looking for.

“I will also mention, I am not a coach who likes special mentions of players, but what Themba Zwane did was great,” said the Belgian coach.

“It was maybe, hopefully, the missing link in our team. A guy who can keep the ball, dish out the passes and can score. So, I am very happy with it.

“But you know with my philosophy, it is youngsters first and then we will see. But again, everyone has to appreciate that I changed my mind.

“This is not easy for a coach when for four months he says ‘no, no, no’ and then suddenly there is a change of mind.

“I am not afraid to do that and Themba shows today he deserves his position in the team.”

On Tuesday afternoon at 15:00 South Africa will face Botswana at Soccer City.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport