Why the changes? Broos’ decision questioned after AFCON exit

Hugo Broos squad selection was the reason why Bafana Bafana were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), by Cameroon, according to former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye.

South Africa came into the match with a slight advantage of making the quarter-final after an extended time to prepare for the tournament as opposed to the five-time champions.

The Belgian opted to start with Samkelo Kabini, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Bathusi Aubaas and Relebohile Mofokeng as Aubrey Modiba, Sphephelo Sithole, Sipho Mbule and Tshepang Moremi dropped to the bench.

Lack of cohesion, especially in the first half, was evident as the Indomitable Lions won the game 2-1 to make the last eight.

There should have had a build up for those players

“I see the coach even today [on Sunday] he made so many changes,” Khanye told iDiski TV in his analysis.

“There is no problem in making changes, but you are in the knockout phase there should have had a build up for those players like [Bathusi] Aubaas in the games earlier like against Zimbabwe. There should have been a build-up even for the likes of Rele [Relebohile Mofokeng] because now you’ll say Rele didn’t give you anything, but did you have any build-up for this boy?

“Did you play him in the group stage for him to gain momentum and confidence because this tournament is so big? You are exposing some other players. Our coach also failed us with how he started the game and even his reaction with his subs.

“Look at [Oswin] Appollis, why take out the best player in the game? I think he should have left Appollis to continue and also Rele he shouldn’t have been taken him out,” he concluded.