VAR is almost here! Sports Minister Mckenzie shares exciting news

Guehi is the ideal Van Dijk replacement Liverpool need

PSL Transfers & Rumours: Mosimane-Raja Casablanca talks collapse

14 Best Betting Sites for October 2024: Our Best for South Africa

PSL Done Deals: City sign Namibia international Petrus

Broos backs Nabi - 'There’s no friendship politics anymore' at Chiefs 

'Khoza is a dictator, how can he chair PSL for 20 years? Iron Duke must make way for others' 

Four more years! Chairman Khoza & Motaung set to retain top PSL positions in executive committee 

Agent explains why Benni McCarthy will reject AmaZulu FC job and offers Steve Pienaar to Usuthu

Baloyi details the big problem Sirino brings to Chiefs

Chiefs & Downs ref slammed for 'Incorrect application of the laws' - Nabi lucky not be sent off 

Broos hints he might have to drop Mokoena & Mudau - 'That’s a problem'

'Mofokeng not meant for PSL! He must pack & go' - Star urged not to be like Zwane

Afcon 2023: Time for Mamelodi Sundowns players to step up and propel Bafana Bafana to victory over Namibia

Africa Cup of Nations Qualification

Namibia

Zimbabwe

South Africa

Congo

Having won the 2017 edition with Cameroon, Broos is under a lot of pressure to deliver the Afcon trophy for Bafana, who only laid claim to it in 1996. Bafana, however, find themselves in a predicament as they don't have a point after losing to Mali in their opener. If they lose to Namibia, their tournament is as good as done, and this might prompt the South African Football Association to make a decision on the Belgian's future.His contract with Safa ends in 2026.

Last dance for Hugo Broos? 

Shalulile is a threat to any team he plays against as the Namibian captain is leading the Southern Africa outfit in their maiden Afcon appearance. But Shalulile can be contained as there are 10 Bafana players who are his club teammates at Sundowns.Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba, among others, know the kind of runs that 'Sha-Sha' makes and training with him on a daily basis should give Bafana an advantage over him.

Peter Shalulile vs 10 Sundowns players

The Al Ahly forward's confidence is relatively low after he missed a penalty in South Africa's opener <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/afcon-2023-missed-penalty-made-a-difference-percy-tau-admits-as-bafana-bafana-coach-broos-distances-himself-from-spot-kick-decision/bltd429ef0f563828d1" target="_blank">and there was a lot of backlash leveled towards him</a>. However, Tau has been under pressure before having played in the Fifa Club World Cup, the Caf Champions League and the Uefa Champions League.Tau needs to keep a level head and make sure that he does not commit a similar mistake or else he will forever be the scapegoat if Bafana bomb out early.

Percy Tau's confidence could be a factor 

Hotto is one of seven Orlando Pirates players in the tournament, and going up against South Africa will feel familiar for him as he comes across a majority of Broos' players in the Premier Soccer League.Hotto, like Shalulile, can easily be contained as Zakhele Lepasa and Evidence Makgopa are players who play alongside him at the Buccaneers. They should have enough intelligence on him to help Bafana's defenders keep him on a leash.

Deon Hotto, a headache for Broos 

It has often been said that Sundowns players will be the saving grace in the Bafana camp. Masandawana's stars have been regular participants in the Caf Champions League and they recently claimed the African Football League. Sundowns are a dominant force in the PSL as they usually make light weight of their opponents.They will need to bring that dominance and quality to the fore and help Bafana navigate to the knockout stages.

Sundowns players have the blueprint 

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/author/michaelson-gumede/2/blt05cfc39bb3cc5a51" target="_blank">Who are the favorites to win Afcon?</a><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/not-sadio-mane-riyad-mahrez-or-mohamed-salah-meet-the-2023-africa-cup-of-nations-most-valuable-players-ahead-of-the-big-kick-off-in-ivory-coast/bltf521fe324c3ae17c" target="_blank">Afcon's most valuable players</a><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/author/michaelson-gumede/2/blt05cfc39bb3cc5a51" target="_blank">GOAL's Afcon hub </a>

More on Afcon

Mamelodi Sundowns players need to Hugo Broos and his Bafana Bafana side are under a lot of pressure to advance to the knockout stages of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.step up and live up to the expectations to help Bafana Bafana in the Africa Cup of Nations as they gear up to face Namibia | Goal.com South Africa

Hugo Broos and his Bafana Bafana side are under a lot of pressure to advance to the knockout stages of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.