South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana, has taken an incredible turn at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), standing out with a nearly all-home roster. The fierce players from Mamelodi Sundowns, a team sweeping the domestic scene and heavily involved in South Africa's AFCON triumph, have been a strategic go-to for coach Hugo Broos.

Ten key players from Sundowns have played pivotal roles in guiding Bafana Bafana through the AFCON journey, with eight featuring prominently in the recent 2-0 victory against Morocco in the last 16. The cohesion among these players, who have been honing their skills together, provides a distinct advantage for South Africa.


In contrast to numerous rival countries, South Africa's dependence on players from their own country provides them with a strategic edge, enabling the team to develop upon the already established on-pitch camaraderie. Former Cameroonian defender Aurelien Chedjou emphasized the clear teamwork among the Sundowns players, underscoring their capability to effortlessly link up during games.

Coach Hugo Broos, a veteran Belgian strategist turning 72 in April, faces the challenge of leading South Africa to the AFCON semi-finals. This represents a significant turnaround from the team's failure to qualify for the previous Cup of Nations, a setback that led to Broos's appointment.

Mamelodi Sundowns, owned by Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe, has been a powerhouse in South African football. The club, currently on track to secure a seventh consecutive South African title, boasts a highly-rated coach in Rulani Mokwena, who at 37, represents a different generation from Broos.

Despite their success, friction has emerged between Broos and Sundowns coach Mokwena, particularly concerning the return of international stars with injuries. South African fans, accustomed to the sophisticated brand of football played by Sundowns, may harbor high expectations for Bafana Bafana at this AFCON.

Broos and Sundowns coach Mokwena have not been without conflict despite their success, especially when it comes to the injured international players' return. Expectations for Bafana Bafana at this AFCON may be high among South African supporters, who are used to Sundowns' sophisticated style of football.

Coach Broos, who led Cameroon to unexpected AFCON glory in 2017, remains steadfast in his vision for South Africa. Despite facing criticism for his choices, Broos insists that he understands the game and expects positive results. The local support and confidence in the Sundowns players' abilities are vital elements fueling South Africa's AFCON campaign.