South Africa Coach Hugo Broos Backs Orlando Pirates Midfielder to Succeed Themba Zwane

• Hugo Broos has named Patrick Maswanganyi in his South Africa squad
• The Orlando Pirates star is among the 10 new faces in the Bafana squad
• The Belgian thinks Maswanganyi could replace veteran Themba Zwane

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has named his 23-man squad for the upcoming March international break.

The Belgian tactician made 10 changes to the squad that took bronze at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations last month.

Broos believes Orlando Pirates star Patrick Maswanganyi could be the heir to veteran midfielder, Themba Zwane.

The Mamelodi Sundowns star brought experience to the Bafana Bafana squad in Ivory Coast. The 34-year-old was named in the latest squad, alongside Maswanganyi.

South Africa are set to play friendly matches against Andorra and Algeria later this month, to prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

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Broos has been keeping an eye on Maswanganyi and feels he could be a key player in the national team.

"What I saw from him, I think he can be the one for the future to replace Themba Zwane, Broos said via KickOff.

Broos had his doubts when he watched him against Cape Town Spurs on March 6. However, he was impressed with his performance in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, on March 9.

I saw him play on Saturday (against Cheifs), and he played a very good game, and this is what I want to see from him in Bafana Bafana."

"So when he can achieve that level with us, he can be someone for the future."

The 25-year-old has played 28 matches for Buccaneers this season and provided five goals and seven assists.

Broos names South Africa squad

Sports Brief earlier reported on Broos naming South Africa's squad for the March international friendlies. The Belgian coach introduced ten new players into his 23-man squad.

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The 2023 AFCON bronze medalists are set to compete against Andorra and Algeria in the four-team friendly event in Algeria.

Broos led South Africa to an AFCON podium spot for the first time since 2000.

Broos speaks on his future as Bafana coach

Sports Brief reported that Broos addressed his future as South Africa coach after guiding the team to an impressive bronze medal in Ivory Coast.

The team defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo in the third-place playoffs to finish behind Ivory Coast and Nigeria.