World Cup-bound Bafana Bafana urged to phase out older players because 'without young players you go nowhere! You need fresh blood'

On Tuesday, Bafana Bafana beat Rwanda 3-0 to go top of Group C and get the 2026 World Cup ticket.

However, they had to rely on Nigeria to beat Benin 4-0 in Uyo to secure the spot, as the Super Eagles made their way to the play-offs.

Hugo Broos' men had to do it the hard way after the docking of points by FIFA after fielding suspended Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March.

In the last couple of years, coach Broos has almost relied on the same cycle of players to deliver for Mzansi.

Initially, he had wanted to start his reign with young players, but ended up relying on the likes of the now 36 year old Themba Zwane to get the job done.

A number of players in his current team have already clocked 30 years, or are nearing that age.

However, there are some youngsters like Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Mduduzi Vilakazi who are pushing hard for recognition.

Rwanda coach Adel Amrouche has now challenged the Bafana Bafana technical team to consider integrating younger players.

“I think Bafana are a good team,” the tactician said in a press conference.

“In your country, you’ve had good [young players]. I remember that time when you had the likes of [Thulani] Serero under Serame [Letsoaka] when he was a coach.

“I think there’s a good generation now coming up. 

"You must start to prepare the youth for the future because without young players, you go nowhere.

“You also have older players in the team, so you need fresh blood in your team," Amrouche concluded. 

The likes of Mfundo Vilakazi of Kaizer Chiefs, Rushwin Dortley, Shandre Campbell, and Ime Okon are some of the players who can make a difference if given a chance.

Broos might consider mixing his squad and introducing them to a more competitive world gradually.

However, since this might be his last AFCON with Bafana Bafana, the Belgian might opt to go with his main men to challenge for silverware.