Does Hugo Broos’ appointment spell the end of the road for Itumeleng Khune?

Newly-appointed Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is eager to build a young, hungry national team squad, but warned it will take time.

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That could well spell bad news and the end of the road for veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.

Khune, who turns 34 next month, will be one of several 30-something players who will have noted with concern the comments made by the 69-year-old Belgian following the announcement of his 5-year contract at the helm of the South African national side on Wednesday.

A new broom sweeps clean after all and Broos will surely want to make changes to the current underperforming squad, especially if they fail to qualify for next year’s Soccer World Cup in Qatar.

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Broos has experience coaching at international level in Africa, having previously worked as Cameroon’s mentor between February 2016 and December 2017.

Hugo Broos says he was surprised with the recent Bafana Bafana team selections as he would be more focused on giving young players opportunities, as they are more motivated to perform on the international stage.

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“We watched some (Bafana) matches last week, and made an analysis, I was a bit surprised when I saw the selections for the last games,” Hugo Broos told the media via a Zoom call following his appointment.

“I take the example of Cameroon, I did the same there, when I worked with young players, who were motivated and hungry to show themselves.

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“I was a player and I know when you are 30 years or older, the motivation is less. You are happy to be in the national team, but your hunger is less.

“After South Africa did not qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations next year, this has to be the moment to build a younger team.”

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On the mission to qualify for the 2022 Soccer World Cup, he added: “We will do everything to qualify for the World Cup next year, but it can’t be a deception if we don’t.

“To build a team takes time, it is a good opportunity for these players to play games and to see what it is to play at this level. For me, what is most important is what happens after the World Cup (2022).”

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