Hugo Broos pinpoints key factor behind Bafana Bafana’s recent success | OneFootball

Interview

Broos explains reason behind Bafana's strong performances

Photo: BackpagePix

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has highlighted a key area of strength in his team, amidst a strong fear factor in recent times.

Having already secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), South Africa are in pole position to replicate the achievement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In the recent qualifying matches, Broos’ side beat Lesotho before drawing with Nigeria, who voiced their concern over the injured Victor Osimhen before the match, much to the discontented of Broos.

“I heard that Nigeria was a little bit complaining because Osimhen was not there. In South Africa there were six players that were not there. I think when you look at the team of Nigeria, even without Osimhen, there are so many other options – so you don’t have to complain about that,” he said.

The 72-year-old Belgian mentor stressed that his team also missed key figures, attributing Bafana’s recent success to having a squad with capable replacements – which limits injury and suspension concerns.

“I don’t complain either about the players who were not there because I want to have a real team that if someone fallout then we have another one. I think we succeed in that,” added Broos.

“You see even today [Tuesday against Nigeria], it was not easy for Thabiso [Monyane] to come in because Zuko [Mdunyelwa] was injured, but nothing changed and that made me enormously happy, I am proud that we made a team like this.

“We don’t have to be afraid anymore when someone is out injured or suspended. There are replacements and that makes us strong for the moment. So, let’s go on and try to win that game we need to be qualified as soon as possible – and I can assure you it will be a very big party when we achieve it.