How Bafana turned chaos into history

WHEN Hugo Broos walked away from the touchline after Bafana Bafana’s historic victory over South Korea, there was visible relief mixed with vindication.

- ‘MISO MSOMI

For much of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, the Bafana coach had found himself under pressure.

There had been criticism after the opening defeat to Mexico, questions around his tactical decisions and growing debate over whether South Africa were becoming too cautious against elite opposition.

Yet by the end of the group phase, Broos had guided Bafana into the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time in their history.

And in many ways, the victory over South Korea finally looked like the performance he had been trying to build towards throughout the tournament.

“I think we played a very good game, tactically, we were very good, everyone did their job,” Broos said afterwards.

“The difference between now and our previous games is that when we had the ball, we were dangerous and that’s important.”

That final sentence may ultimately explain the entire story of Bafana’s group-stage campaign.

Against Mexico in the opening match, South Africa looked like a side overwhelmed by the occasion.

Broos’ decision to switch to a back three backfired badly, while Bafana struggled to play through pressure and rarely threatened consistently in attack.