- Hugo Broos led Bafana Bafana to a 3-0 win over Rwanda, securing top spot in Group C and a place at the 2026 World Cup.
- The Belgian coach says he built the team on quality and discipline after years of doubt, proving critics wrong and bringing back national pride.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has hit back at critics who questioned his squad selections and leadership after guiding South Africa to the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Bafana sealed their place in style with a 3-0 win over Rwanda on Tuesday, topping Group C and ending a 24-year wait to qualify on merit.
“I know you didn’t always agree with my choices,” said Broos. “But I look for quality, mentality and the ability to follow the plan. That’s how you build a team.”
Since arriving in 2021, the Belgian coach has faced constant criticism — from dropping crowd favourites like Themba Zwane to overlooking in-form strikers such as Bradley Grobler and Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Even after leading Bafana to a bronze medal at the 2023 Afcon, many still doubted him.
But three years later, Broos has delivered results. Under his watch, Bafana will appear at the World Cup for the first time since 2002 — having qualified automatically as hosts in 2010.
“Someone said after the game that Bafana were a joke. Everyone laughed,” said Broos. “But now we’re respected. This is fantastic — for the team, for me and for the whole nation.”
Broos also became Bafana’s longest-serving coach, overtaking the late Clive Barker, who led the side to Afcon glory in 1996.
Their qualification came despite a setback earlier this year when Fifa docked Bafana three points for fielding suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.
Pictured above: Hugo Broos.
Image source: File
