South Africa fielded several new and young players, and were without any of their Mamelodi Sundowns contingent. When the final whistle blew at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, there was nothing to separate South Africa and the visitors from East Africa.

From the outset, Broos made it clear that the team’s performance would always outweigh the result, and he was left satisfied.

Oswin Appollis. Photo: X/Soccer Laduma

While these matches are only friendlies, they play an important role in the team’s build-up to their remaining 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Building squad depth is key for Broos, and he believes this objective was met against the Taifa Stars.

“I think there were eight players making their national team debut today, and what I want to emphasise is that we had a totally new team out there – players who have never played together before, except those from the same club,” said Broos.

“So it wasn’t easy. I said before the game that the result wasn’t important – and for me, it truly wasn’t.

“Of course, we wanted to win, and we could have – we created some chances. But the performance was more important. I’m happy with what I saw. People often underestimate how difficult it is to bring 23 players together, pick 11 to start, and expect them to perform when many have never played together before. It’s not easy.”

Bafana’s next international friendly will be played on Tuesday, when they take on the Mambas of Mozambique. That match will also take place at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, with kick-off set for 19:30.

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