Brooklyn Poggenpoel Embraces Bafana Role After Emotional International Debut

Brooklyn Poggenpoel says representing South Africa has been an honour as he prepares for a pair of crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya. The midfielder also praised his experience working with Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane, saying he has learned a great deal in a short time. South Africa host Kenya at Orlando Stadium before travelling to Nairobi for the return match on November 17. Bafana have made a strong start in Group D under Mosimane, beating Guinea 2-1 and Eritrea 5-0 to move to the top of the standings. With only one team from the group qualifying alongside co-hosts Kenya, Poggenpoel said the upcoming fixtures will be important to maintaining that position. The 27-year-old made his senior international debut against Eritrea after entering the match in the 12th minute. He replaced the injured Bathusi Aubaas, with Teboho Mokoena already unavailable after picking up an injury in the Guinea game. Poggenpoel quickly helped launch an attack that led to Relebohile Mofokeng scoring the opening goal, and he later earned his first Bafana start in a 1-0 friendly win over Egypt in Cairo. His debut came during a difficult personal moment: Poggenpoel was mourning his maternal grandmother, whose funeral in Cape Town took place on the same day as the Eritrea match. He said that, despite what was happening in his private life, he felt a responsibility to focus on the national team and give his best for the country. Poggenpoel also spoke warmly about Mosimane’s work with younger players and described the coach’s return as an enjoyable experience. He said Bafana’s opening results had provided a positive foundation, but stressed that the side now needs to secure points at home and follow that with a strong result away. His aim, he said, is for South Africa to reach the next international break with good form and rhythm, still leading the group.