Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos warns South Africa not to underestimate motivated Liberia

Broos voices concerns over Liberia’s motivation

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says South Africa cannot underestimate Liberia because they are highly-motivated ahead of Friday’s clash.

Liberia’s potential bonuses add to the danger

Broos expressed his concerns over Liberia who he claims have been promised huge bonuses if they upset South Africa and seal a place in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Returning foreign-based players give Liberia a boost

While South Africa are considered heavy favourites to win both games, the Bafana Bafana coach has called for caution, pointing to Liberia’s returning foreign-based stars, as well as the fact that they will be playing the return match in Monrovia, having hosted their opponents in Morocco last year.

Pressure on South Africa to win

Broos’ men are under pressure to win Friday’s match and get their qualifying campaign back on track after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Morocco on matchday one with the Atlas Lions top of Group K with six points from two matches while Bafana Bafana and the Lone Stars are winless.

Broos urges his squad to secure maximum points

The Belgian tactician does, however, have confidence in his squad and wants them to ensure they pick maximum points from the doubleheader before meeting Morocco in June.

South Africa need to avoid underestimating Liberia

“Their foreign-based players want to play again for the national team which was not the case before and I’m told the bonus they get is enormous so that means that we will have a team in front of us who will be motivated,” Broos told Safa Media. “It is up to us to not underestimate them even if for some people, it is just Liberia, but we will be making a big mistake to underestimate them.”

South Africa’s qualifying hopes rest on Liberia doubleheader

With the top two sides qualifying for the tournament, South Africa will seal their ticket if they manage six points against Liberia, given there are three teams in contention following the suspension of Zimbabwe.

South Africa aim to top Group K

That would make June’s meeting with World Cup semi-finalists Morocco less stressful for Bafana Bafana with only topping the group at stake.

South Africa enter Liberia match in good form

South Africa head into the match after going unbeaten in their last four friendly matches, recording wins against Sierra Leone, Botswana and Mozambique while drawing with Angola.

Bafana Bafana host Liberia before away leg

Broos’ men host Liberia on Friday before the return leg in Monrovia four days later.

Credit: https://www.goal.com/en-za/news/money-will-motivate-them-is-broos-making-bafana-bafana-liberia-excuses/blt7e8eeaee65580321

ENND