Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has sent a message of encouragement to the U20 team that made history by winning South Africa’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title.
Amajita beat Morocco 1-0 in Sunday’s final to be crowned African champions and the players have been getting the plaudits across the nation.
Raymond Mdaka’s team returned home on Tuesday and received a heroic welcome with Broos among those who turned up to receive the team.
The Bafana Bafana coach expressed his delight at seeing the future of the national team become the best team on the continent and he is encouraged by what the country is building.
Bafana coach impressed by U20 AFCON tactics
“I followed every game, and I have to congratulate you coach first of all for the motivation you did in that team. When you saw them playing, they were motivated, they wanted to do a big result,” Broos told the players, as quoted by iDiski Times.
“I say congratulations for the tactic moves you had, for the fantastic mentality that showed on the field. I think you did a very great job to bring this trophy here to South Africa.”
The national team coach then weighed on what he expects from the players some who may have staked claim to a place in the Bafana Bafana squad in the near future.
“I also have to congratulate the team, and you know guys, achieving the top is easy but staying on the top it’s so much more difficult,” added Broos.
What assurance has Broos given Amajita?
“Everything starts now for you. You are at a crossroad. If you take the right direction, I’ll be seeing you back next year in Bafana Bafana in big stadiums here in South Africa, or maybe abroad.
“Or you can take the other way and that’s the wrong way. You’ve got every opportunity to have a nice life for the next 10, 12 years as a professional football player and believe me, it’s the nicest profession you can imagine.
“But you still have to work very hard in the next months. I hope you guys take the right lifestyle; this is very important to achieve.”
South Africa had some of the tournament’s finest players, with Stellenbosch FC central defender Tylon Smith named Player of the Tournament, while Portugal-based goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe was crowned the best in his position after his heroic saves won the title for South Africa.
