“We Will Fight Like Lions” – Hugo Broos Takes Responsibility, Rallies Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has taken full responsibility for the administrative error that led to South Africa being docked points in their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho.

Speaking during a live interview on SABC Sport, where he announced his 23-man squad for the upcoming back-to-back qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, Broos acknowledged the mistake but insisted that all is not lost.

“I see the minister [Gayton McKenzie] wants to investigate who is responsible, but it’s clear, I am responsible,” said Broos.

“I am the coach. I had to know that this guy had two yellow cards. My technical staff is responsible because they didn’t tell me. The team manager [Vincent Tseka] is responsible because he didn’t follow up.

The player is responsible because he didn’t say anything to us. And the SAFA administration is responsible. So stop with it. Just focus on the two games remaining now and support us.”

Despite the setback, Broos struck a defiant tone, urging fans and stakeholders to rally behind the team as they prepare for two crucial fixtures that could still shape their qualification destiny.

“We will do everything to win these games, and for me, it’s an extra motivation. We will fight like lions.”

South Africa’s fate remains in their own hands, and Broos’ candid admission and passionate rallying cry may yet galvanize a squad determined to overcome adversity.