Mamelodi Sundowns fans have asked Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos to consider fielding Orlando Pirates players in a dead rubber 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan respectively.
Both Cranes and Bafana Bafana sealed their place in the biennial competition on Thursday, November 14 when the Bright Stars shocked Congo with a 3-2 win at the Juba Stadium.
The result means there is no way the Red Devils can catch the two top teams in Group K no matter the outcome. Uganda are currently on 10 points, South Africa eight while Congo and South Sudan – who have played a match more, have four and three points respectively.
After the international break, Mamelodi Sundowns play Magesi in the Carling Knockout final before facing Maniema Union in the Caf Champions League's group stage fixture. It explains why Masandawana players are requesting Broos to consider resting their players.
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“As the Mamelodi Sundowns online branch, we are delighted by the exciting news that Bafana Bafana have officially qualified for the 2025 Afcon following South Sudan's win over Congo.
This is a tremendous achievement, especially considering how far we have come,” Downs fans said in a statement.
“There was a time when our national team was heavily represented by Kaizer Chiefs players such as Itumeleng Khune and Siphiwe Tshabalala, often struggled to secure qualification. In the past, it seemed that our path to these major tournaments only came when we had the privilege of hosting.
“We would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt congratulations to head coach Hugo Broos, his technical team, and all the players for reaching this milestone.”
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“With the right preparation and continued collaboration between Coach Hugo Broos and Mamelodi Sundowns' technical team, we are confident Bafana Bafana can not only complete but stand a real chance to bring home the Afcon title. It is clear that the core strength of Bafana Bafana is undeniably Mamelodi Sundowns,” they continued.
“While we celebrate this qualification, we also respectfully urge coach Hugo Broos to consider resting players from Mamelodi Sundowns and giving some of our promising national players from Orlando Pirates an opportunity to shine in the upcoming matches against Uganda and South Sudan.
“Players like Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Chaine, and others have a chance to show their potential on this stage.”
