Broos’ Bafana blueprint deserves trust, not turmoil

IT’S that time again — Hugo Broos has named a Bafana Bafana squad, and as always, the noise follows. From social media outrage to barbershop debates, the Belgian coach's selections never seem to please everyone.

- SMISO MSOMI

HUGO Broos.

(ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media)

Yet, as the national team prepares for Saturday's friendly against Zambia in Gqeberha ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, perhaps it’s time South Africans took a step back and appreciated what Broos has achieved.

Since his appointment in 2021, Broos has had to fight battles that few foreign coaches could withstand in this country. He inherited a team low on confidence, plagued by inconsistency, and disconnected from its fan base.

Names like Andile Jali were forced upon him by public demand, and his insistence on rebuilding the team his way was initially viewed as arrogance. But years later, that same stubbornness has translated into structure, identity, and results.