Mbule reveals ‘tools’ given to him by Broos to unlock Bafana’s AFCON rivals

Bafana Bafana midfielder Sipho Mbule has opened up about the tactical instructions given to him by coach Hugo Broos during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations matches.

Mbule has been the man tasked with the creative midfield role and started at No.10 against Angola before coming off the bench when Broos’ men played Egypt and he was back in the starting XI against Zimbabwe.

The Orlando Pirates midfielder has not set the stage alight as it was expected but remains upbeat that more will be seen from him and the team.

Mbule shares Broos’ tactical instructions

Mbule says Broos asked him to move further forward in the nervy 3-2 win against Zimbabwe in a bid to have a bigger influence on the game and it is a role he wants to excel at going forward.

“Coach told me… cause even in the first and second game it’s been the same thing, he gave me some tools going into the second half,” he said on SABC.

“He told me to move a little bit more, and I mustn’t stay too long with the defensive midfielder. But I think with what he told me; I’m going to use it moving forward.”

What is next for Bafana Bafana?

South Africa started with a 2-1 win over Angola before losing 1-0 to Egypt and survived Zimbabwe’s scare to seal a place in the knockout round as the second -placed team in Group B.

Bafana Bafana will learn their last 16 opponents on Wednesday night when Group F is decided but they will take on either Ivory Coast, Cameroon or Mozambique.

“As Lyle [Foster] said, we are very much relieved cause this is what we wanted – we wanted to go through to the next stage,” Mbule further said.

“I think even when we played everyone showed hunger and discipline and will to win to go to the next round.”