Bafana Bafana: European Clubs Eyeing 4 South Africa Players After Stellar AFCON 2023 Performances

• Bafana Bafana'a stellar AFCON 2023 perfomance has turned some heads
• European clubs are reportedly keeping tabs on some South African players
• Hugo Broos guided the team to their first third-place finish in 24 years

South Africa's outstanding display at the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 (AFCON) has caught the attention of European football clubs.

The recently concluded tournament in Ivory Coast saw Bafana Bafana secure a remarkable third-place finish, marking their best performance in 24 years.

Although they failed to reach the final spot after a penalty shootout loss to Nigeria, their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Reports indicate that several European clubs are keen on acquiring some of Bafana's standout players.

Bafana head coach Hugo Broos confirmed this, stressing the importance of regular high-level competition for player development while expressing satisfaction with the team's performance in Abidjan.

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"They've shown something, and I felt that, along with the players, we wanted to show something, and those players now also know and the interest there is in some players. They now also know that this is the level they have to show their skills at, and I think they did more than we expected from them,” Broos stated, as quoted on Goal.

Some Bafana players have emerged as targets for European clubs. These include Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, Sphephelo Sithole, and Evidence Makgopa, as reported by the South African.

Mokoena's freekick against Morocco, the penalty against Nigeria, and Makgopa's impactful role as a lone striker garnered widespread praise. Orlando Pirates' manager, Jose Riveiro, has also tipped Makgopa's future success.

Sithole, currently with CD Tondela FC, is considering opportunities in leagues that better suit his abilities despite having a contract until 2024-25.

Mudau, hailed as one of the continent's top right-backs, delivered impressive performances in Abidjan. At 29, with 18 months left on his contract, he faces a decision regarding his future.

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Hugo Broos Wants Answers on Lyle Foster

Sports Brief reported that Bafana head coach, Broos, was determined to resolve Lyle Foster's issue before their upcoming international friendlies against Andorra and Algeria next month.

The Burnley striker withdrew from his country's AFCON 2023 squad despite playing full matches in the Premier League.

Broos stated he aimed to engage Foster face-to-face to determine his commitment.