Ndamane: Broos explains how Galaxy star can lift Bafana to AFCON glory

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has expressed his delight at having a strong bench which he believes will be crucial if they are to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

South Africa are among the dark horses to win the tournament set to kick off in Morocco on Sunday December 21, a day before they open their campaign against Angola, and the Bafana coach is happy to have an array of quality players he can call on.

One of those is defender Khulumani Ndamane, who had an impressive performance against Ghana, during their final warm-up match on Tuesday.

Ndamane started the match and performed admirably in a role likely to be taken by Mbekezeli Mbokazi in Morocco as Sipho Mbule’s stunner settled the contest at the Dobsonville Stadium.

Broos heaps praise on Ndamane

Broos heaped praise on the TS Galaxy defender, keeping faith in him to deliver whenever called upon in Morocco as he considers him a top-quality option in his team.

“It’s already a fantastic thing for him that he can go with Bafana Bafana to AFCON,” said Broos as per iDiski Times.

“Secondly, every game that Khulumani has played, I was satisfied. Also, today [vs Ghana], also the previous games that he played.

“So, I know that even if he doesn’t play, I can count on him. He proved himself also today that he deserves to be with us.”

Strong bench delights Bafana boss

The Bafana coach pointed to his experience at AFCON 2023 when South Africa finished third, saying their impressive run was down to having a strong bench, which he feels he has again this year.

“So, that makes me happy. Two years ago, we won games because there were guys on the bench who came on and decided the game,” he added.

“I’m very happy that even if he [Ndamane] doesn’t play, he’s on the bench, I can always count on him.”

Ndamane has become an integral player for both his club and the national team, earning five caps so far, while starting three games, all of which South Africa kept clean sheets.