Broos fumes at leaked Bafana training ahead of Mexico clash

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has expressed his displeasure over leaked footage from a behind-closed-doors training match against Jamaica but remains confident it will have little impact on their World Cup opener against Mexico.

Bafana Bafana drew 1-1 with the Caribbean side on Saturday in an unofficial friendly, which was intended to be a private affair. The mysterious appearance of match highlights online has raised questions, but Broos believes Mexico’s coach, Javier Aguirre, will gain no significant advantage from it.

“I saw some highlights on social media, which was a surprise,” Broos stated as quoted by Flashscore. “I don’t know how those people got into the stadium. It’s not a real surprise, though, because it’s important for Mexico to know how we played. But it doesn’t bother me. The Mexico coach doesn’t need that Jamaica game; he probably knows more about us already.”

The coach reiterated that he has done his own homework on the opposition. “I know enough about Mexico,” he added. “I have seen enough of their recent games.”

Broos on why Bafana need more days

Broos was critical of his team’s performance in the practice match but attributed some of the struggles to the ongoing acclimatisation to Mexico City’s high altitude and recovery from travel.

“Maybe we still need a few more days to adapt,” he explained. “I saw players who could not make the efforts they wanted to, which is certainly because of the high altitude. I am sure that with the four days we have left, we will be ready for the game on Thursday.”

The Belgian coach is confident that his squad has the right strategy to take on the hosts, emphasising that the focus is now on execution.

“We know what to do against Mexico, both when they have the ball and when we are in possession,” Broos said. “The final details will be worked on in our next two training sessions. Everything is focused on this game.”

Belgian coach unfazed by Azteca atmosphere

He acknowledged the quality of the Mexican team, describing them as a formidable opponent. “They are all dangerous, a very good team with a lot of movement and solidarity. You can see they really want to be world champions. We will have to be at our best to get a result.”

For Broos, the opening match represents a remarkable return to a familiar stage. He played for Belgium in the opening game of the 1986 World Cup against the same opponent at the same venue, the iconic Azteca Stadium.

“It was a fantastic event and something I will never forget,” he recalled. “Now I am back here 40 years later, again playing the opening game against Mexico in the Azteca. It is amazing. I am just as excited now as I was then.”

When asked about the perception that Bafana Bafana are the underdogs in a group that also includes the Czech Republic and South Korea, Broos welcomed the label.

“I am very happy that they think we are the weakest team,” he concluded.