Broos dampens SA U-20 hype: "We don't have Yamals and Messis"

Hugo Broos. Photo credit: SAFA

Following Amajita's historic, triumphant 2025 AFCON campaign, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has urged caution regarding the immediate integration of South Africa's promising U-20 talents into the senior national team.

Broos stressed that while the youngsters' success is commendable, they are not yet at the level of global prodigies like Lamine Yamal or Lionel Messi.

Amajita, under the guidance of Raymond Mdaka, clinched the AFCON title in Egypt last month. And despite including some U-20 players such as Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Simphiwe Selepe in his squad for international friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique, Broos believes rushing them into the Bafana system would be premature.

"I don't think we have to rush with those guys. They are young and have achieved fantastic results, winning the AFCON," Broos explained. "But we don't have to think that they are already at the level of Bafana Bafana. It's too soon for them."

The Belgian coach emphasised the importance of the upcoming U-20 World Cup, scheduled in three months, as a crucial developmental step. "Secondly, there is a World Cup. I think it’s much better for them that they play the World Cup... and have that international experience at their level," he stated.

Broos highlighted the competitive nature of the World Cup, where Amajita will face top-tier teams and players, offering invaluable experience. "We don’t have to underestimate the World Cup. They will play against very good teams and players. So for them, it’s a new experience. I think it’s much better to give them that experience than to call them immediately for Bafana Bafana," he stressed.

Broos underscored the need for careful management of these young careers, particularly those who have just tasted AFCON glory. "They are 17, 18 and 19-year-olds. So it’s much better to have an experience at their level. We have to be very careful with the young players and certainly with players of today who have won an AFCON," he warned.

"Everybody is thinking that suddenly, and I exaggerate now, that we have [Lamine] Yamal’s and young [Lionel] Messi’s. No, we are not that far," Broos reiterated. "So give them time because when we call them too soon, maybe we will break their careers. They are not ready, and everyone will say ‘Oh, they are not so good’."

He concluded by suggesting that while the immediate focus is on the World Cup, their performance there will dictate future considerations. "Maybe after AFCON, we will see what we do with them, but for sure, if they can confirm again at the World Cup, then everything is open after AFCON."