‘He brought back Bafana from ICU’ – Broos gets his flowers for massive SA turnaround

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has once again been lauded for his work with the national team during his over four-year stint.

Broos has turned South Africa from doubters into believers during his time in charge with Bafana Bafana finishing third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and now one of the favourites to win the 2025 tournament. Further, they have also qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

All these looked like a pipe dream when Broos was hired as Bafana Bafana coach in May 2021 as he took over a team that had failed to qualify for that year’s AFCON and had been termed “a bunch of jokers.”

McKenzie lauds Broos for ending SA’s shame

“No matter how much we differ with Hugo Broos in his selection of players at times, he has brought back @BafanaBafana from ICU, we are no longer jokes, we are favourites and a team to watch,” Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie posted on X. “The respect & fear Bafana commands here in Morocco is truly admirable. Happy Christmas.”

Broos saw his team start AFCON 2025 with a 2-1 win over Angola on Monday and can further enhance his reputation if South Africa beat Egypt on Friday and seal a ticket to the knockout round with a match to spare.

Bafana Bafana are on a 27-match unbeaten run, having not lost since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, while Broos has built a strong team made up of local-based players who have belief and follow his instructions to the letter.

Broos has also ensured selection is based on merit while he does not entertain indiscipline within the camp.