Dylan Bettencourt
The South African national football team, Bafana Bafana, looked like they were in for another disappointing year, but the appointment of Hugo Broos in May of this year brought hope back to the country.
Many football fans and South Africans alike have become accustomed to Bafana being absent from major tournaments such as AFCON and the World Cup and the country witnessed that again this year.
But then came Hugo Broos.
After losing 2-0 to Sudan at the end of March which ensured that Bafana would not compete in the 2022 AFCON tournament, manager Molefi Nketsi was sacked, and Belgian manager Broos was brought in.
Many believed Broos would be another in and out manager for Bafana, but he is proving to be the exact opposite. He began his tenure with a 3-2 victory over Uganda on 10 June.
July saw Bafana compete in the COSAFA cup, not typically played by the country’s biggest football stars but nevertheless, Bafana emerged victorious after defeating Senegal 5-4 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in the final.
Broos and Bafana then turned their attention to the African Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers which got off to a disappointing start as Bafana drew 0-0 with Zimbabwe but then turned out four consecutive wins to put them on top of the group.
The biggest win came against footballing giants Ghana in a victory that saw many fans realise Broos may be the manager to take Bafana to the next level.
A huge final clash against Ghana in the final group game was a cannot lose fixture to send Bafana to the third and final round of World Cup qualifiers for Africa but it came to a controversial end.
In the clash away to Ghana, the host team were awarded a dubious penalty which gave them a 1-0 victory and sent Bafana crashing out of the qualifiers.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) launched a formal complaint into the incident which was then investigated and dismissed by FIFA despite the governing body suspending the referee for the decision.
In what was an impressive year for Bafana in spite of the tragedy in Ghana South African football fans can find some consolation in the fact that Hugo Broos could be the manager to turn things around for the national football side.
2021 rating: 9/10.
Image source: @SowetanLIVE
