Hugo Broos has transformed Bafana Bafana through discipline, youth, and sheer grit. Photo: Oupa Mokoena Independent Media
Image: Oupa Mokoena Independent Media
Uncertainty hangs over Hugo Broos’s career with Bafana Bafana, after he announced that he’ll retire after the Fifa World Cup in North America, only for Safa president Danny Jordaan to say they’ll engage with him over a potential extension beyond the showpiece event.
Even so, Bafana's World Cup performances won’t be the defining moment of Broos’ tenure with the team, but rather a key piece of the puzzle. As the team edges closer to the World Cup, we look at what Broos has turned around since his arrival in May 2021.
Broos has been a disciplinarian since he took charge of the national team, taking a firm stand regarding the commitment of his players.
His strong emphasis on having the correct attitude hasn’t made him everyone’s cup of tea within the football family, most recently again after leaving goalkeeper Sipho Chaine out of the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Panama — the first of which is on Friday in Durban (kick-off 7pm).
After dismantling most of the ‘usual squad’ from his predecessors, Broos started fresh, laying his foundation with youngsters, believing that they’ll shape the future of the team.
So far, so good.
Some of the youngsters, such as Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Relebohile Mofokeng, have repaid the faith shown in them by the septuagenarian, proving that as long as they are old enough, they are good enough.
Safa continued to be marred by financial challenges during Broos' tenure, resulting in them needing the financial rescue of stakeholders, including the Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie.
However, Broos has instilled a desire to play football within his players. so much so that there’s rarely been a public outcry over bonuses before and after major tournaments. Those issues have been handled carefully, and mostly internally.
The Belgian may have prioritised form over popularity, but he’s rewarded discipline, commitment, and loyalty, regardless of any outside noise. He didn’t easily discard players when the going got tough at club level, but continued to give them a nod for the national team based on the qualities that he believes define a national team player.
Broos has restored the nation’s faith in the team. If the masses are not coming out in numbers to fill stadiums, then they are glued to their TV screens, rallying behind the team, creating an euphoric atmosphere, and discussions the fortunes of the team.
Broos has been vocal about fans coming out to support the them, but he knew that positive results had to do most of the talking with every passing game to generate hope and passion.
Nevertheless, perhaps the biggest way Broos has transformed Bafana, is that South Africans care about this team again.
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