Safa denies ‘malicious’ Broos claims: ‘It is a complete fabrication’

Published on by Willis Sob, updated on

The football federation has denied being broke after reports emerged they were seeking help in paying Bafana Bafana coach.

Recently, there were claims the South African Football Association, Safa, Finance Committee had resorted to requesting the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton Mckenzie 

According to multiple publications, Safa sought help because of the financial struggles they are experiencing in paying Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. The Belgian is, reportedly, earning about R1.5 million monthly.

However, in a statement to the public, Safa has rubbished the said report, stating it was malicious.

football 2023 africa cup of nations finals south africa press conference charles konan stadium yamoussoukro cote divoire 189262 0012
Hugo Broos, head coach of South Africa during the South Africa Press Conference at Charles Konan Stadium in Yamoussoukro on the 02 February 2024 – Photo by Icon Sport

Safa denies being broke

The football federation has now set a record straight, “The South African Football Association wishes to reject an article published by a Sunday publication this past weekend with the utmost contempt,” Safa said through its media team.

“Safa wishes to state categorically that the claims are devoid of any truth as no such conversation came up during the meeting. Furthermore, [Safa] has no such document sitting on his desk as claimed by the newspaper and the Association has certainly not approached the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture regarding such. 

“This report is a complete fabrication, malicious and devoid of any truth, and SAFA wishes to dismiss it with the contempt it deserves. We will not be detracted from our plans, and we are fully focused on continuing to work on our programs with the junior and senior national teams.”

Bafana Bafana defender says more national team games should staged in Bloemfontein
Mothobi Mvala – Photo by Icon Sport

What has Broos achieved at Bafana Bafana

The 2023/24 campaign was arguably Hugo Broos'  best campaign in recent years. The Africa Cup of Nations-winning tactician helped South Africa qualify for the 2023 edition hosted in Ivory Coast.

Bafana Bafana went on to reach the semi-final, for the first time in 24 years, and ended up getting Bronze after beating the Democratic Republic of Congo in the third-place playoff.

Currently, the team is locked in a tight race to qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup that will be held jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. They are jointly leading Group C with seven points.

Safa denies ‘malicious’ Broos claims: ‘It is a complete fabrication’

Willis Sob

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.