Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has voiced his approval with newcomers Masindi Nemtajela and Keletso Makgalwa ahead of South Africa’s international friendly against Zambia at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday.
Nemtajela, who has recently earned a starting spot at Orlando Pirates, and Makgalwa, who was nominated for last season’s PSL Footballer of the Season award, received the first senior international call-ups ahead of the friendly clash, with Broos wanting to take a closer look at the pair ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in December.
Broos told the media on Friday that the two players were adapting to the higher level and demand of international football well.
“The two new players, Masindi [Nemtajela] and Keletso [Makgalwa], was in the beginning a little bit difficult for them. The level is higher than what they are used to. But now at the end of the week, I think they were fully integrated. Again, also for them, I was happy to see them progressing during the days of training,” said Broos.
The Belgian tactician emphasized that he made the right move in calling the two players up and was pleased with their performances throughout the preparations for Saturday’s clash.
“I’m already happy that I called them up and I could watch them from very close every day on how the attitude was, how they are working on training, what their real talent quality is,” he said.
“It was good for them that they were here and that we could give them the opportunity to train with us. So we have a better idea and a better report about them than before this week.”
Broos states that the two could see playing time against Chipolopolo, depending on how the fixture goes, with the coach insistent on a winning performance from his side.
