Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos admits the only instruction he can give Themba Zwane is to be on the ball as much as possible as he emerges as his talisman.
Zwane has overcome being overlooked by Broos for over a year, to become one of the first names on the teamsheet at the age of 34.
The Mamelodi Sundowns captain produced another mesmerising midfield display and found the net for South Africa in the 1-1 draw with Ivory Coast in Abidjan on Tuesday evening.
And Broos waxed lyrical about the veteran midfielder who was one of the best players on the pitch in the sweltering heat of the nation’s capital city.
“We know Themba is a very good player, so even in the beginning with South Africa he wasn’t in the selection but I explained that it was his age, we were building a new team at that moment,” Broos said.
“For me, it was important to [explore] what young players we had, but I have to confirm once Themba came here, the way of playing changed also – when we can reach Themba it’s very important.
“You see the difference between Friday and today, this is someone you see where he has to put the ball, where he has to ask for the ball, I don’t have to tell him anything – the only thing I can say every game is for Themba to try and have the ball as much as possible.
“This is important for us, and the game itself. I felt already Sunday at training, that the attitude of the players that they wanted to give a reaction today and the reaction was there.
“So we didn’t talk much about [eSwatini], we focused everything on [Ivory Coast]. I am very happy that the boys listened to what we said, what we asked and did it on the pitch.”
The Belgian tactician, who won the last Africa Cup of Nations he was part of, in 2017 with the Cameroon national team felt they perhaps could have won the game but overall was pleased with the output and reaction after the goalless draw with eSwatini.
“We missed today a victory with a big chance we didn’t convert, if we made it 2-0 at that moment, I think we win this game, but the pressure at that moment, so I think the result is correct, but I’m again very happy with what I saw from my team,” Broos said.
“The mentality was good, the football was good, so that means we have quality, and it’s something my players have to believe in more. even when they play smaller teams, like last Friday against eSwatini.”
