Have Orlando Pirates starlets Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Mohau Nkota just earned Hugo Broos' trust for Bafana Bafana's 2025 Afcon finals and 2026 World Cup qualifiers? - 'They make my job very difficult'

Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has revealed he is impressed by the young players who featured during the June international friendlies.

South Africa faced Tanzania and Mozambique, registering a goalless draw against the former before a 2-0 win over the latter.

Now, an excited Broos has said he is happy with the performance of the young players, cryptically saying that his job is now difficult when it comes to squad selection.

“Yes, I think it was the moment to do it. When you are young and have quality, there is no age. For me, when I see they have quality, they get a chance, and there were some players that took their chance with both hands in the two games," Broos said in his post-match presser.

“So, we will see now they make my job very difficult now when I have to choose in September the qualifiers for the World Cup, but ok, they are young and talented, so I’m very happy that I have such kind of players,” he added.

Apart from praising the players, the Belgian stated that Bafana's performance in the two friendlies leaves him a happy coach.

“Today (Tuesday) was a very good performance; we had so many chances. First half, we could easily be 3-0 for us. There was good ball circulation and much movement in the team. So yeah, I’m very happy with all the game; the second half was also good,” Broos stated.

“We did some corrections. Kwayiba was much better in the second half than in the first half, so yes, I think we deserved the victory,” he continued.

“He could’ve scored three goals today, but ok, the chances were there, and the way they created the chances was very good. The way we pressed the opponent was also good, so I think yes, I can just look back to the two games and be a happy coach.”

So much is coming up for the national team, given that in September and October, they will engage in the World Cup qualifiers, and it is a chance Broos will not want to fumble.

Bafana are leading their group with a five-point gap, meaning the matches are very crucial, and if he trusts the youngsters to execute the duties, that will be a big vote of confidence in their ability to deliver.

Going by how the youngsters have shown readiness, it could be time to trust them. An example is Nkota, who was given a few minutes against Tanzania and a full debut against Mambas.

Mbokazi was lined up alongside his club teammate, Nkosinathi Sibisi, at the heart of the defence, and as usual, he was calm and composed.

Some of the players involved will be part of the squad that will take part in the African Nations Championship (Chan) finals in August.

Thereafter, Broos's focus will be on the remaining World Cup qualifiers; Bafana will play Lesotho (A), Nigeria (H), Zimbabwe (A), and Rwanda (H).