Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has provided an explanation for the surprise inclusions of Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell in the final squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
The Belgian coach unveiled his final 25-man team for the continental tournament, which will take place in Morocco in a few weeks.
Both Smith and Campbell have not featured for Broos’ side before and might get to don the Bafana shirt on the big stage.
Broos explained that he selected the young duo due to their quality and to start integrating them into the team, as they represent the future of Bafana.
While Broos stated that they may not feature prominently in the tournament, he noted that they will be there for experience, but should the chance present itself, they could see action.
“First of all, they are talent full,” said Broos on SABC Sport.
“Tylon played the [under 20] AFCON. It was a little bit surprising that Club Brugge didn’t release Shandre to go with Under 20 [both AFCON and World Cup].
“I think it’s a great opportunity for these two players to adapt to a higher level, to see what’s happening with Bafana Bafana and in training.
“So, they have a lot to learn now in the next weeks.
“First of all, I took them because of their quality but also, we don’t have to really count on them to play games but if the opportunity is there, we will give them chances.
“But the most important thing is for them to feel this thing of being a Bafana Bafana player at the high level.
“So, that’s why I decided to take these two players for AFCON, we also looking at the future and it may be easy for them in future to become a Bafana player.”
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