'We need a player like him' - Broos heaps praise on Pirates star

Head coach Hugo Broos has explained the return of Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabang Monare in the Bafana Bafana squad that will head to the AFCON in January.

At 34, Monare was somewhat of surprise pick by Broos and alongside Themba Zwane, Monare becomes the oldest outfield player in the final 23 that will travel to Ivory Coast.

The selection was a surprise, given that Monare has not featured in Pirates' last eight matches. However, history reveals that the midfielder has always been on the coach's radar.

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The midfielder was called up as part of Broos' first match as Bafana coach in an international friendly against Uganda in June 2021 and last played for Bafana during an international friendly that ended in a 5-0 defeat to France in 2022.

Broos may have also impressed by the industrious midfielder's output earlier in the campaign. Monare started nine of Pirates first 10 league matches and was an ever-present figure for coach Jose Riveiro in the heart of midfield.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday shortly after the announcement, Broos cited Monare's experience as the major factor behind the selection.

"Monare is a player with much experience," Broos said.

"He is paying well at the moment for Orlando Pirates and I think we need that kind of player there (at AFCON), a guy with experience. So that is why I chose Monare."

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The experienced midfielder faces stiff competition for a starting place in the Bafana line-up though, with Teboho Mokoena, Siphephelo Sithole and Jayden Adams also selected.

Bafana kick off their AFCON campaign with a Group E clash against Mali on 16 January before meeting Namibia on 21 January and wrapping up the group stage action against Tunisia on 24 January.

"I am not really unhappy, when you see the teams that were represented. Mali are a very good team, and Tunisia too. And Namibia we know. But I prefer to have Tunisia than Senegal or Ivory Coast," Broos told SAFA media on the draw. 

Bafana will now report for camp on 4 January in Stellenbosch where they begin preparations for the tournament and after playing a practice match against Lesotho on 10 January, will fly to Ivory Coast on 11 January.

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