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Bafana's Broos weighs centre-back options

Cape Times

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December 24, 2025

IT has become increasingly difficult to question the selection criteria of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, as time and again he proves his detractors wrong.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Broos is refreshingly honest, often the first to admit when his players are either at their best or have had an off day. He was back at it at Stade de Marrakech after the 2-1 win over Angola in their AFCON opener, saying his players "went to sleep" in the first half.

While the team could have done better to avert the situation, it was at centre-back where they largely struggled defensively. The new pairing of Siyabonga Ngezana and Mbekezeli Mbokazi failed to show chemistry and fluidity. With Bafana set to face Egypt in a top-of-the-table clash at Stade d'Agadir on Friday, all eyes will be on Broos to see whether he partners Mbokazi with someone else.

Below, we explore the options Broos has should he decide to drop Ngezana, who is making his return to the national team after some time away.

Nkosinathi Sibisi & Mbekezeli Mbokazi

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