By Michael Madyira
Under-fire Hugo Broos has come out to pour cold water on the rumours that he is leaving his role as Bafana Bafana coach.
Following Friday’s 2-2 draw with Liberia in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Stadium, some reports suggested it could be the end of the road for the Belgian.
The 70-year-old fuelled the rumours by snubbing the post-match press conference and giving a brief statement that painted a bleak future.
But he has emerged to clear the air by discussing his Bafana future, denying he was about to dump the team after the Liberia disappointment.
“Yeah, let’s be clear about that also,” said Broos.
“And let’s be clear again that I still believe in the team and that I want to go with them to the Afcon next year in Côte d’Ivoire.
“So there is no doubt about it, and I will again do everything I can to win on Tuesday, and to assure qualification for Afcon in January next year. So let there be no doubt about that.”
On Friday, a dejected Broos had refused to attend to his media duties after the match but was later dragged to the post-match presser.
He then gave a terse statement in which he suggested players were to blame for the Liberia draw.
But he has made a U-turn, now defending his players as he seeks to instil confidence in them ahead of Tuesday’s return fixture in Monrovia.
“So I think the most important thing now is that the players know I still believe in them, I still believe in them,” the 2017 Afcon-winning trainer said.
“They must not believe that because I was frustrated, angry and disappointed, I don’t believe in the team. I believe in the team because I built it.
“I know we have good players, and I know this team is able to qualify for the Afcon. So I think that’s what they’re waiting for now, to see a coach who still believes in them.”
Defeat for Bafana on Tuesday will end their Afcon qualification bid but victory will send them through to Ivory Coast.
A draw will leave them with slim chances ahead of their final Group K game against Morocco.
Pictured above: Broos and Bafana players leaving for Liberia
Image source: Bafana Bafana
