Doc Khumalo to Bafana’s Broos after AFCON exit – ‘Be mindful of what you are saying’

Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo has conceded that Hugo Broos’ utterances before South Africa’s knockout game against Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), could have had a negative impact.

The veteran 73-year-old tactician was unhappy with logistical issues in Morocco; from lack of vibe, transsport to hotel facilities. All those were aired publicly during the pre-match interviews.

The former attacker insists the Belgian should address matters with respect despite how factual they might be.

Respect the game

“You need to be mindful of what you are saying,” Khumalo said in his interview with the African Five-a-side podcast.

“Remember, this is Africa we don’t reciprocate, nor do we receive everything said the same way. There are certain things, there are certain culture that you need to respect but above all, you need to respect the game. You need to respect the Association, you need to respect the host country and your colleagues, protect your players, [and] protect the country that employed you.

“So, there’re certain things that you can say them but with respect. You know, you don’t just say them just like that because I was wondering all of a sudden, the booing, where does that come from?”

It’s not what you say, no, it’s how you say it

“But now, when you’re seeing this, now I understand because I saw the clip, you know about what he was saying about the host country. But then, like I’m saying that it’s all about individuals understanding, you know, the culture and what type of people you’re dealing with, and yourself as an individual, you need to lead by example, because clearly it affected you and poor players suffered because of those utterances,” he continued.

“I wouldn’t want to say even South Africans back at home they suffered because of that bad utterances. So, they found themselves losing the game because of the pressure coming from that because remember that 12th player plays a major role.

“Sometimes it’s not what you say, no, it’s how you say it. And this is exactly what back home the same, because now there’s a club called Kaizer Chiefs. You know their supporters were saying, you guys go to the AFCON we’re not going to be part of you guys. We don’t want to. Even when they’re playing the friendly games or the qualifiers, they were saying, no, we don’t want to go to watch Bafana because our players are not being selected. But it’s not about being selected it’s how it’s said,” Khumalo concluded.