'We Don't Have Yamals and Messis': Hugo Broos Warns Against Overhyping SA U20s

• Hugo Broos has urged caution regarding the inclusion of South Africa’s U-20 players in the Bafana Bafana squad, despite their impressive victory in the 2025 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt
• The former Club Brugge coach emphasized that Amajitas squad does not yet have players comparable to global stars like Lamine Yamal or Lionel Messi, and he believes they should be allowed to develop at their own pace
• The Belgian tactician remains committed to nurturing the younger players in South Africa, ensuring they have the time to mature before stepping up to the senior men's national team

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has urged caution in rushing South Africa’s U-20 players into the senior national team, despite their recent triumph in the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt.

The Belgian tactician claimed the Amajitas don't have players alike Lamine Yamal or Lionel Messi yet, and they should be allowed to grow.

Broos is a coach who always trusts in youngsters recently including Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Mohau Nkota, and Simphiwe Selepe, in his Bafana Bafana squad but wants to take it easy with the under-20 side.

Broos cautions against U-20 hype

In a recent interview according to FARPost, Broos advised against overhyping the young players.

“I don’t think we need to rush these young players,” Broos told journalists. “They’ve achieved fantastic results by winning the AFCON, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready for Bafana Bafana just yet. It’s still too early.”

Broos emphasized the importance of allowing the youngsters to gain international experience at their own level before making the step up.

“With the U-20 World Cup just three months away, I believe it’s far more beneficial for them to compete there first. They’ll face strong teams and talented players, which will be a valuable learning experience.”

“We shouldn't underestimate the level of the World Cup. Their development should go through that before being thrown into the senior national team setup.”

The former Cameroon national team coach also claimed they are yet to be there while making reference to Yamal and Messi.

“These are young players, just 17, 18, and 19 years old, so it’s important to give them opportunities suited to their stage of development," he added.

"We have to handle today’s youth with care, especially those who have already achieved something like winning the AFCON. People tend to get carried away, imagining we’ve suddenly discovered the next Yamal or a young Messi, but we’re not quite there yet.

"We need to be patient. If we push them into the spotlight too quickly, we risk damaging their growth. They might not be ready, and then the same people praising them will say they’re not as talented as expected. It’s better to wait and see how they perform after AFCON. If they can maintain their form through the World Cup, then we can truly begin to open the door for bigger opportunities.”

Broos hits back at critics over Kaizer Chiefs players

Briefly News earlier reported that Hugo Broos hits back at critics after being called out for not including Kaizer Chiefs players in his Bafana Bafana squad.

The Belgian gave an explanation for his decision earlier but it was enough to avoid the backlash from Amakhosi fans.

Source: Briefly News