Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has revealed why he was pleased to give Mduduzi Shabalala his debut against Rwanda.
The Kaizer Chiefs star was introduced late in the World Cup qualifier against Amavubi, with South Africa winning 3-0 and eventually securing the spot for the continental showpiece.
Broos says Shabalala’s burning desire for game time was evident during the training sessions for the two matches.
The Bafana gaffer felt that with the team holding a commanding 3-0 lead, it was the perfect, low-pressure moment to introduce the 21-year-old for his debut.
“When you work with young players, it’s normal not to just give them a standard position in the team,” said Broos.
“So, you have to bring them easily and in the right moment. And I think today it was the right moment even though it was only three or five minutes.
“He tasted the atmosphere; he tasted the group spirit. I wouldn’t give him a chance if I didn’t see in training how he behaved.
“If I make an example with Shabalala, he wanted to prove himself in training and this is what I want.”
Another player that impressed Broos with the right mentality was Ashley Cupido, who replaced Lyle Foster, who was ruled out for the match due to the injury.
“You saw Cupido came and he didn’t ask questions. I told him that if Lyle [Foster] is ready, he will start and you will sit on the stands,” Broos added.
“I also told him that if Lyle is not playing, [Evidence] Makgopa would play and he [Cupido] would be on the bench. He said, ‘No problem, I’m happy to be here’.
“With such guys, you can work because they don’t make conditions. No.”
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