Broos Raises Concerns Over Sundowns’ Form and Player Issues Ahead of Bafana Qualifiers

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has raised concerns over Mamelodi Sundowns’ form and player issues ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria in September 2025.

Broos Comments on Lower PSL Level and Club Challenges

Broos said the PSL level is lower this year compared to last season, pointing to challenges at major clubs. “For the moment the level is not like last year. Pirates signed many players, they need to settle in. At Sundowns, at the moment Mudau is not playing. Ribeiro, there is a problem. They struggle with that. Chiefs is better than last year, but still not at the level you expect from a top team. For me, Sekhukhune play the best football right now.”

The Belgian coach highlighted how these club dynamics affect national team selections. Sundowns, traditionally a dominant force, are grappling with injuries and form dips, with key defender Khuliso Mudau sidelined and Lucas Ribeiro facing unspecified problems. This has impacted their early season performances, including a recent MTN8 semi-final exit. Pirates, after a busy transfer window with signings like Gilberto and Thalente Mbatha, are still integrating new players, while Chiefs show improvement under Nasreddine Nabi but lack consistency. Sekhukhune United’s strong start, with wins over Cape Town City and AmaZulu, has impressed Broos, who sees them as the league’s top performers currently.

These observations come amid a competitive PSL season, where Sundowns sit second with 9 points from 3 games, Pirates third with 7 from 3, Chiefs fourth with 6 from 3, and Sekhukhune leading with 10 from 4. Broos’ candid assessment reflects his frustration with the domestic league’s quality, which he believes has declined due to player movements and adaptation issues.

Broos Explains Squad Selection Based on Pool Over Current Form

Broos explained his squad choices, noting it was tough due to injuries and club disputes. “First of all it was not so easy to make a selection now because there are few players who are not there because of injuries and disagreements with the clubs. But at the other side we have a pool of young players and when the opportunity is there I think you have to give them the chance.” He highlighted young talents like Mduduzi Shabalala and Relebohile Mofokeng, who were on previous lists but now get chances due to progress made.

The coach addressed specific player situations, like Khuliso Mudau’s club issues: “I had a meeting with Khuliso and I told him that he was right in some things but that he was not right in other things like for example not going to training. You don’t solve a problem with not going to training.” Broos hopes the problem is resolved soon, calling Mudau one of Africa’s best right-backs.

On Fawaaz Basadien’s situation at Sundowns: “He came and then he didn’t play so well and he was out of the team. I think it’s also a question for him now from confidence.” Broos chose players like Aubrey Modiba who are playing regularly.

He also discussed communication with the U20 coach regarding players like Shandre Campbell and Mbekezeli Mbokazi: “We had a meeting with the coach of U20. I know he likes to have Mbokazi, Shandre. But we have a good meeting on that and he understands.” Broos is optimistic about arranging for some to join the U20 World Cup camp despite club commitments.

For Gift Links’ exclusion despite recent form: “If you see what he did between he was first time with us and now it was not so much. So and now okay he’s playing good. So we will see in the future but it’s not because he plays now suddenly good and the previous two three years he didn’t perform that we have to take him immediately back.”

On Mohau Nkota’s move to Al-Ettifaq: “I followed a little bit… he played nearly all the friendly games… let’s hope for him that he can go on on the same level that he had here.”
Broos addressed Relebohile Mofokeng’s distractions from transfer interest: “It’s a little bit too much for him all those interests from teams… you see that in his performances. He’s not playing anymore on the same level.”

For Thapelo Morena’s injury concerns: “I was afraid that this was the end of the career… He worked very hard… I think now he’s paying a little bit the bill… Sundowns has to be careful with him.”
On Thalente Mbatha’s inclusion: Broos praised his maturity and strong performances.

Motivation for Crucial Qualifiers

Broos stressed the high stakes: “Qualifying for World Cup is extremely difficult… for players being qualified for the World Cup, it’s a I think there is no better motivation because if we go it can be the first but it can also be the last one.” He urged the team to play without fear against Nigeria: “We don’t have to start doubting and being afraid of Nigeria… if we go for it and we play on our best level we can win against Nigeria.”

On Nigeria’s push for points deduction over a previous match: “We don’t think about it. We just look at the ranking… I hope that FIFA follows the rules.”

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