Broos ready to marches on without Downs core

HUGO Broos hasn't become the longest-serving Bafana Bafana coach by listening to outside noise ~ and that’s why the buck will always stop with him when it comes to team matters.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Broos recently etched his name into the national team’s history, becoming their longest-serving coach and surpassing Clive Barker's record after serving for four years. Things weren't all rosy at the beginning. Broos even considered resigning during the first few months in the role, following heavy criticism from most quarters.

Much of the backlash came after Bafana were hammered 5-0 by world champions France away from home and lost 2-1 to Africa's top-ranked side, Morocco.

However, the tide turned after the talismanic Themba Zwane was brought into the fold and Broos received a vote of confidence from Safa president Danny Jordaan. That support paid off as Bafana secured a podium finish - third place — at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, their first in over two decades.