A former Bafana Bafana player advises Hugo Broos to pick good substitute players for the upcoming matches! | OneFootball

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A former Bafana Bafana player advises Hugo Broos to pick good substitute players for the upcoming matches!

A compelling case for an expanded Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco is being made, with former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Wayne Arendse urging coach Hugo Broos to leverage the tournament as a crucial building block for the future.

The debate intensifies as Broos finalizes his selection from a massive 54-man provisional list. While CAF regulations permit a final squad of up to 27 players—a rule in place for the last two tournaments—Broos famously opted for a streamlined group of 23 during South Africa’s bronze-medal-winning campaign in Ivory Coast. This time, however, with contentious exclusions already sparking discussion, Arendse believes a more inclusive strategy is the wiser path.

Arendse is advocating for Broos to not only name his final 23 but to fully utilize the allowance and bring the additional players to Morocco as part of the traveling party. He frames this not just as a contingency for AFCON, but as a strategic investment for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

“I would say it definitely makes sense to take the extra four or five players. The reason being, at the same time you are preparing for the World Cup,” Arendse stated in an interview with FARPost.

He elaborated on his vision of an integrated camp, suggesting that the standby players should be immersed in the tournament environment. “If you also think that this is the core that will make it to the World Cup, add those boys into the camp to experience AFCON. So, you can still add your standby players to the core players.”

Highlighting the unpredictable nature of football, the former defender pointed to the long-term benefits and the necessity of having a broader, experienced player pool. “The standby players, I would suggest you take them with you to AFCON so that they can also be in the camp, be in the surroundings of tournament football.”

His argument hinges on preparedness for the unexpected, especially with the physical toll of a long season. “You never know what happens in football, you might have three of your regulars injured by the time the World Cup comes. Hamstring, groin injuries or those niggles that will keep you out for three weeks.”

Concluding with a clear piece of advice, Arendse added, “You normally get those injuries towards the end of the season. It’s always advisable that if they give you a slot of 27 or 28, just go with the 27 or 28.” This push for an expanded squad presents Broos with a strategic decision that could shape both South Africa's AFCON challenge and its World Cup aspirations.