‘Everyone respects us’ – Broos reveals what he did differently to secure World Cup ticket

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‘Everyone respects us’ – Broos reveals what he did differently to secure World Cup ticket

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is delighted that he has silenced his critics after leading South Africa to the 2026 World Cup.

South Africa thrashed Rwanda 3-0 at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday and with Nigeria beating Benin 4-0, Broos’ men returned to the tournament for the first time since hosting it in 2010 while qualifying since 2002.

The veteran tactician says World Cup qualification is the result of a solid plan laid down three years ago and has come to fruition because he did not listen to outside noise.

“We are a bunch of people who only have one goal. Big performances and winning things,” Broos said after the game.

Bafana players’ mentality delights Broos

“This is not for me alone, see what the players did in the last three years. It is important to have players with quality and right mentality who can do what I ask them.

“Until now, I have succeeded with this even though you thought this or that needed a chance but it is not like this, you need a plan and you need to keep the plan because you know this is the right way.”  “It is what we did in the last three years,” he added.

Broos then went on over how his players silenced their doubters and is hoping that they can build on from this by performing well at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2026 World Cup which can help lift the standards of South African football.

Veteran coach happy to shut down critics

“It is fantastic not only for us as coaches but the whole nation. I heard someone saying on the pitch that some said we were a joke but now we are there on the high level and everyone respects us,” said the veteran Belgian coach.

“This is something this nation needed, a different way to look at football and play and I hope in December at AFCON, we will try to do as good as the last one and hopefully even better.

“I hope with all those high-level tournaments and certainly next year in America that players will have their opportunity to go to higher competitions because they deserve it and need it and if we make that step in the future, South Africa will even make it better that they are now.”

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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