Poggenpoel’s Big Comeback Praised
Brooklyn Poggenpoel has wasted little time turning World Cup disappointment into motivation, with Durban City head coach Khalil Ben Youssef praising the midfielder for working his way back into the Bafana Bafana fold.
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Poggenpoel, along with Lebohang Maboe and Brandon Petersen, was part of Hugo Broos’ FIFA World Cup squad but was ultimately left out of the final selection, with the trio named as emergency players.
For Poggenpoel, however, the disappointment did not derail his progress.
The midfielder continued to work and perform for Durban City, and his efforts have now been rewarded with a place in Pitso Mosimane’s final 30-man Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming international window, which includes two AFCON qualifiers.
Speaking after Durban City’s 2-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Thursday, Ben Youssef reflected on what Poggenpoel and the other emergency players had gone through and singled out the midfielder’s mentality for praise.
“I think we spoke with the player about the mindset that he has for Hempel. If you have to remember before the World Cup what they did for some players to ask them to come and they are ready to fly and they are in the preliminary list.
“Remember these three players, Petersen, Maboe and Poggenpoel. It was something so tough for them and until now I can’t have explanation about what they did. Another player, he will lose confidence, he will lose even the desire to play football.
“You know you come with your luggage ready to fly to America to play the World Cup and they tell you sorry, you don’t have place, you have to go back home. Fortunately for us the mindset that they have, Poggenpeol, continues to work.”
The Durban City coach revealed that Poggenpoel had made his objective clear from their first meeting, with the midfielder determined to put himself back in contention for Bafana.
“From the first day I had a meeting with him and we discussed about what’s your objective.
“It was clear, I have to be in the part of the next call-up of Bafana-Bafana. Fortunately for him he continues to work.”
Poggenpoel’s path back to the national team has not been entirely straightforward. The midfielder also missed two matches during the MTN8 after receiving a red card, but Ben Youssef believes the setback did not affect his approach.
“Remember also he missed two games when he played in the MTN8, he took a red card.
“Same, he continues to work. Very good mindset, professional player.”
And Ben Youssef hinted that Poggenpoel may not be the only Durban City player pushing for recognition under the new Bafana coach.
“I think even next call-up there is one or two more players from Durban City will be part of the list.”
Sep 21, 2026 07:42 PM
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