Hope or heartbreak for fringe players in Afcon preliminary squad

BAFANA BAFANA coach Hugo Broos is set to sentence a little over 20 players to a bleak festive period, when he eventually announces the final 23-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Morocco from late next month.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

BAFANA Bafana coach Hugo Broos.

(Backpagepix)

One has to wonder: was it really necessary for the silver-haired coach to release such a large preliminary squad on Monday?

Broos named a 55-man list for the biennial continental showpiece, which runs from December 21 to January 18.

It is common practice, of course, for coaches to name an extended squad prior to making their final selection.

With a few weeks of football remaining, coaches are aware that standout performances or injuries may occur, so having a larger pool provides flexibility.