Durban City head coach Khalil Ben Youssef has praised Brooklyn Poggenpoel for the mentality he showed after suffering the heartbreak of being cut from South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Poggenpoel was initially included in the preliminary group of players for the tournament alongside goalkeeper Brandon Petersen and midfielder Lebogang Maboe, only to ultimately miss out on the final squad that travelled to the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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The midfielder has since responded by continuing to impress at club level, with his performances earning him a place in Pitso Mosimane’s 30-man Bafana Bafana squad last week.
Ben Youssef revealed that he spoke to Poggenpoel about his objectives after the World Cup disappointment and was impressed by the 26-year-old’s determination to use the setback as motivation.
“We spoke with the player about the mindset that he has, Poggenpoel, remember before the World Cup, what they did to some players, to ask them to come and they are ready to fly, in the preliminary list, Petersen, Maboe and Poggenpoel, it was something so tough for them,” Ben Youssef said.
“Up until now I don’t have an explanation about what they did. Another player would lose confidence, lose… even the desire to play football, you come with your luggage, ready to fly to America to play in the World Cup and then they say sorry you don’t have a place, you have to go back home.
“Fortunately for us, the mindset he has, Poggenpoel, he continued to work. From the first day I had a meeting with him, we discussed about his objectives, it was clear, I have to be part of the next Bafana Bafana squad.”
Poggenpoel’s progress has also come despite a difficult start to the domestic campaign, with the midfielder missing two MTN8 matches through suspension after receiving a red card.
However, Ben Youssef believes that setback did little to affect the player’s focus as he continued working towards his international ambitions.
“He continued to work, despite missing two games in the MTN8 due to a red card. He continued with a good mindset, such a professional player and I don’t need to only discuss Poggenpoel – I think there will be one or two more players from Durban City in the next list.”
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