Broos: Facing Morocco is motivation enough

by Staff Reporter

Friday Jun 09, 2023. 15:12

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos insists his team should have ample motivation to beat 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco for the first time since 2002.

South Africa will host the Atlas Lions at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, June 17 in their final 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, with both countries having already booked their places in the finals.

Walid Regragui’s side won 2-1 in the reverse fixture at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on matchday 1 and are favourites to claim a third straight victory over Bafana Bafana.

However, Broos believes his players will be sufficiently motivated to lock horns with the North African giants, who have risen to the No. 1 rank on the continent following their exploits in Qatar.

“I should not be pleased if I have to motivate the players to play against Morocco – then there’s a big problem,” the Belgian tactician said after naming his 23-man squad for the match on Thursday.

“If players are not motivated to play a team like Morocco, then I think it’s better you go home and don’t come to Bafana to play that game.

“This is why you become a professional – to play these games. This is a big game. If you and the team get a positive result, it’s also good for you as a player.

“You must know a lot of people watch these games. It’s interesting to see Morocco, but also to see what the guys of Bafana can do. And that must be enough to motivate the players to play in this game.”