MORE PSL HELL

AS THE football world eagerly awaits the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington in December, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is focused on a different mission at home. At a recent roundtable discussion hosted by Safa, Broos shared insights into his preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which begins in December. After a jitz third-place finish at the previous edition in the Ivory Coast last year, expectations among fans and stakeholders are high. Broos acknowledged that the pressure to perform well means meticulous preparation has never been more critical. As he gears up for the high-stakes tournament, Broos revealed plans to start training on 8 December at the University of Pretoria. The team will remain there until 17 December, just ahead of their opening match in Morocco. Broos also mentioned plans for a friendly against Zambia on 14 November before departing for the tournament. Interestingly, Broos expressed some frustration over the PSL's scheduling conflicts, particularly regarding the Carling Cup final on 6 December. He indicated that, had things gone as he hoped, he would have had more time to work with his manne. Broos wysed: "Again, I hoped to start a little bit earlier. For the second time, the PSL didn't want to collaborate because there's the final of the Carling Cup. But I am delighted that [Kaizer] Chiefs and [Mamelodi] Sundowns are already out." Most of the squad will likely be drawn from Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, like the Buccaneers' Oswin Appollis. The coach is eager to announce his squad shortly before Afcon preparations begin, though he has a busy travel schedule ahead. Following the World Cup draw in Washington on 5 December, Broos will return to South Africa on the 7th before immediately beginning preparations with his span the following day. Pitted against some of Africa's football heavyweights, Bafana will face competition in Group B, against Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe.