South Africa coach Hugo Broos has declared their readiness to face Morocco in their round of 16 showdown of the Africa Cup of Nations at Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro on Tuesday.

“We are well prepared. Morocco are coming from a great World Cup run in Qatar and being the best in Africa, so we are aware of what we are up against,” Broos said.

“We beat them in Johannesburg (in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at a vociferous FNB Stadium on June 17, 2023), and that gives us hope and confidence. But this is a different time and tournament, and some players are different too. So we cannot think for a minute that it will be the same, certainly not.”

Many of the inquiries from the room were on whether Khuliso Mudau and Mothobi Mvala will be fit to face the Moroccans. The two players suffered knocks during the goalless draw against a very physical Tunisia during the group stages last week.

“I cannot answer that question, I’m afraid not right now at least. I will get a full medical report after training later on Monday and only then will I know for sure,” said Broos.

Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo Sithole, whose confidence is brimming at the moment, said the team spirit and mentality remains very strong in the camp ahead of the match. “We know what we need to do, we know that tomorrow is a big game, we understand it all. We will bring our A-game as a team because our sights are set on the next round,” he said.