Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has revealed that he will be meeting up with Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.
Mokwena and Broos have had a few exchanges in the media, but they are finally going to have a meeting over coffee, as revealed by the Sundowns coach, to discuss a few matters.
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Broos has previously spoken about meeting with PSL coach and, with quite a number of Sundowns players currently in the national team, this could be of benefit to the country.
"I met coach Hugo for the first time in person at Orlando. We had kind words exchanged and we promised each other a coffee, so there is quite a lot that we are going to sit and have a good discussion (about). Also, there is a majority of Sundowns players in the national team already. I already have a feeling that there should be more, based on the performances of the players and based on the fact that the national team should be about meritocracy and the best players must play for the national team,'' Mokwena said during a press conference held at Chloorkop on Thursday, ahead of the club's CAF Champions League match against Bumamuru FC of Tanzania on Saturday.
Sitting alongside Mokwena during the press conference on Thursday was Rivaldo Coetzee, who has bounced back impressively this season after spending the most of last season recovering from injury. The former Ajax Cape Town defender has become a key component since his return, playing in a role which sees him driving into midfield from a central defensive position.
With the Africa Cup of Nations coming up, Mokwena was asked if Coetzee would be a possible candidate for inclusion in the Bafana team.
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"With Riva, in particular - and even though I must make a disclaimer and say that of course it's important to respect Hugo Broos' role as coach and that he will always for sure have my support and the support of this football - but interestingly we were having this discussion with coach Wendell (Robinson) and my feelings with Rivaldo is that he is important for the big games. He's got what you call big match temperament, which is the ability to not be scared in difficult moments and pressure situations. If you go to AFCON and you get into games of consequence and you play quarterfinals and semi-finals against teams like Ivory Coast and Nigeria, you need players that have the personality to perform and the fearlessness and Riva has that.
"But, of course, the style of play is different and the role will be a little bit different. I am not so sure if he would drive into midfield and play in those types of situations with Bafana. He has football brains."
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