Angola news

The 73-year-old has been vocal about the importance of Mshishi, who, despite his advancing age, has been a key player for the national team. The Belgian is working on his squad for continental and global assignments scheduled for later this year, and the new one before officially retiring and focusing on other things.

Broos has been scratching his head over the injury crisis that has sidelined the Masandawana star. But now, his fears may fade away as he believes the stylish midfielder will offer him what he missed when Zwane is not available. The former Cameroon coach handed the Mzansi star a second chance, and the midfielder has not disappointed.

Expectations were high when the Sea Robbers unveiled the signing of the 25‑year‑old at the start of the 2025/26 season, with many believing he could add fresh energy to the Buccaneers’ attacking midfield. Yet only a few months into his tenure, sections of the Ghost faithful have voiced criticism, questioning his impact and consistency as he works to settle into life at Pirates.

The Amakhosi midfielder has received some backing from a club legend who is strongly convinced that the player has enough quality to deserve a place in the national side. He argues that despite the central midfield being arguably the richest Bafana department in terms of depth, the former Stellenbosch star is international football material. The Soweto giants great insists the national team coach is failing to recognise what is good in a defensive linkman.

Lionel Messi was asked for a selfie by his own team-mate during Argentina's latest camp, while he swapped shirts with a rival that he nutmegged on two occasions while helping to deliver a 2-0 victory over Angola. The eight-time Ballon d’Or showed once again before and after that contest why he remains a star attraction, with everybody wanting a piece of him.

The Sea Robber was yet again given another start for Bafana Bafana, which is an indication that the coach has developed near total belief in him. With the AFCON finals drawing closer each day, this is good news for the defender who has faced stiff competition at club level. To succeed in AFCON, Broos will need a solid backline, and the larger pool of options means he has the luxury of picking the best.

Mokoena achieved the milestone in South Africa's game against Zambia, and the coach has taken some credit for that. The midfielder's achievement came months after his suspension cost Bafana three points in World Cup qualifiers. And given how central he is to Broos' plans, Mokoena is expected to get as many caps as possible so long as the Belgian is in charge.

While other AFCON-bound teams have taken advantage of the current FIFA international break to play two friendly matches, South Africa opted to schedule only one. This might be seen as missing out on valuable match sharpness. However, the team will have an opportunity for more friendlies just before the continental tournament kicks off. That period could be crucial for the Belgian coach to further fine-tune combinations. The quality of opposition in the final preparation may determine how competitive the 1996 African champions will be at the continental showpiece.

The competition for places in the national side has gained steam as the 2025 AFCON finals draw closer. The coach is finding it increasingly difficult to satisfy everyone, with every squad announcement sparking fierce debate. High-performing players like Shandre Campbell, Thembinkosi Lorch, Siyabonga Ngezana, Grant Kekana and Gift Links have all been mentioned among those unlucky to be left out. It all underlines the immense pressure on the Belgian tactician who faces stern scrutiny with every choice he makes.

As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals draw closer, Bafana Bafana managed a morale-boosting victory against Zambia during a friendly match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. South Africa's win comes just days after head coach Hugo Broos found himself in yet another storm following his player selection. The Belgian overlooked in-form Thembinkosi Lorch and Amakhosi stars who have been brilliant in the season, but the win is set to cushion him from the pressure he has been dealing with.

South Africa welcomed Chipolopolo to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, November 15, as part of their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this December. The hosts secured a 3-1 victory, yet the Belgian tactician was not entirely satisfied with his team’s performance.

South Africa welcomed Chipolopolo to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, November 15, for an international friendly that carried more weight than the scoreboard alone. The clash formed a key part of Bafana Bafana’s build-up, sharpening their readiness and testing combinations ahead of their next challenge in Morocco this December.

The forward has been an integral part of Hugo Broos' setup and is expected to be named in the AFCON squad. He missed the last continental finals because of a mental health issue. As he hopes to be part of the team in Morocco, he has revealed ambitions he hopes to achieve with Bafana, who finished third in the Ivory Coast.