Bafana News Today: Broos’ critics slammed, female referee confirmed for Czechia clash & more

Latest news about Bafana Bafana, including Wayde Jooste’s call for unity over the post-Mexico noise, Ricardo Goss defending Hugo Broos, and confirmation of the referee for Thursday’s crucial Czechia clash.

Jooste on Bafana ‘noise’: ‘Trust the process as a country’

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. Photo: Imago

The debate over Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 opening defeat to co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca has shown no sign of quietening, but former international defender Wayde Jooste has stepped in with a firm message: slow down, and zoom out.

“Firstly, are we forgetting how long it’s been since we’ve been to a World Cup? Not hosted, qualified for one!” he said as per IOL.

“Secondly, yes, the coach’s tactics never worked on the night, but that’s football — you take a risk because you believe in what you have and how you’d like to play. Let’s trust the process as a country because trusting the process was what got us to the World Cup in the first place.”

Bafana goalkeeper defends ‘phenomenal’ Broos

Brandon Petersen, Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss, Bafana Bafana. — Brandon Petersen, Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss, Bafana Bafana – Image: SAFA

Inside the camp, Bafana goalkeeper Ricardo Goss has delivered a similar verdict, questioning what he regards as misplaced criticism directed at head coach Hugo Broos following the Mexico result.

“It’s just unfortunate that we aren’t realistic enough as South Africa. I’m not saying we shouldn’t go try and win games but I think it’s unfair on the coach. If you look at his stay with the national team, I think that has been phenomenal, and it’s something we haven’t had for a while,” he said as quoted by SABC.

“We know that he will come at us, but we know that after the session he’ll go back to being our father and make jokes with us. We still love him and we’re going to play for him,” Goss added.

Female referee to make history in SA vs Czechia

American referee Tori Penso will officiate Bafana vs Czechia clash. Image: Imago

FIFA has confirmed that Bafana Bafana’s second Group A clash against Czechia on Thursday, June 18, will be officiated by United States referee Tori Penso, who will become the first American woman to officiate a men’s FIFA World Cup match.

The high-stakes fixture will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with kick-off set for 18:00 (SA time)

Penso will be assisted by fellow Americans Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, while Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh from New Zealand will serve as fourth official.