Bad news for Mamelodi Sundowns! Hugo Broos won't be releasing Masandawana players early from Bafana Bafana camp with Carling Knockout final looming

Mamelodi Sundowns are gearing up to face Magesi in the Carling Knockout final, but their preparations face a major hurdle.

Eight key players are currently with Bafana Bafana, who will take on South Sudan in Cape Town despite having already qualified for Afcon 2025 in Morocco.

Many expected coach Hugo Broos to release the Sundowns octet early, allowing them to focus on their club duties ahead of the final.

However, the Belgian tactician has remained adamant that the players fulfill their national team commitments first. Sundowns, who last won the competition in 2019, will be hoping to go out against Magesi FC in Bloemfontein and win the trophy.

“Sundowns players are till tomorrow after the game players of Bafana Bafana and they stay players of Bafana Bafana,” he told journalists in Cape Town, without confirming whether or not he was indeed approached by the club.

“I think you are looking to two very happy men after a qualifying game against Uganda last Friday. At the other end, you are also looking at two men who are still not satisfied – not satisfied because we want to win the game of tomorrow.

"This is not a friendly game for us. It’s an important game because we want to be first in the group, and we also want to show something, if my information is right to the crowd who will be tomorrow in the stadium," he added.

“So, we got two amazing evenings in Bloemfontein and in PE with a crowd in the stadium and with a nice win. So, we will do that again tomorrow here in Cape Town.

“That means that we are still motivated for the game of tomorrow, and again, it’s very important for us that we can finalise those qualifiers as first in the group. It should be the cherry on the top, like people say.”

For Hugo Broos, the focus is on maintaining Bafana Bafana’s unbeaten streak in the Afcon qualifiers.

The team has shown resilience throughout the campaign, and Broos believes the presence of Sundowns’ eight key players is essential.

Despite criticism, the coach insists that every match is vital for building momentum and squad cohesion.

Broos has stressed that his decisions are in the best interest of the national team’s future success.

The Belgian is determined to prepare a formidable team for Afcon 2025, prioritizing the national side over club needs.

Broos will lead Bafana Bafana into their 40th match under his tenure against South Sudan in the Mother City.

The game, although a dead rubber, provides an opportunity to experiment tactically while giving the squad more match fitness.

Sundowns’ players are expected to feature prominently in the encounter before returning to their club.

This match will also allow Broos to assess his side against an emerging football nation like South Sudan. Afterward, all eyes will turn to how Sundowns reintegrate their key players for the Carling Knockout final.