Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has backed the DStv Premiership stars when questioned by Malian media if they could match up to their European based players.
South Africa opened their Group E campaign against Mali on Tuesday with optimism brimming around both sides.
A local journalist based in Kohrogo quizzed Broos if he felt confident about doing well at the tournament knowing the bulk of his squad is comprised of local based players.
Percy Tau at Al Ahly, Sphephelo Sithole in the Portugese second tier with Tondela and Mihalil Mayamebla in the Cypriot top-flight represent the only players outside South Africa in the 23-man squad.
“Teams that have players in other countries is an advantage because they play in leagues that are in stronger leagues than the PSL but it doesn’t mean Bafana isn’t strong, it doesn’t mean some of the players are better,” Broos said.
“Mali players have more experience at a higher level than Bafana players, yes they are in the top European league but they are not really the best team in Africa. Bafana has many local players but we’ve won many games together, and we can challenge Mali.
“I trust my players – I’m confident in my squad and my team that they can do well and match up to any team.”
The two sides meet this evening at the Stade Gon Coulibaly Stadium this evening.
