Doctor: Bafana’s Tactical Prowess Frustrates African Opponents
Africa Cup of Nations winner Doctor Khumalo has praised Bafana Bafana’s distinctive style of play under Belgian coach Hugo Broos, saying it frustrates many African teams ahead of their AFCON Group B opener against Angola in Marrakech on Monday (19:00).
Broos took charge of Bafana Bafana in 2021, and since his appointment the South African senior national team has made significant progress, embarking on a remarkable 26-match unbeaten run.
The 73-year-old coach guided Bafana to a bronze medal at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where they defeated DR Congo on penalties after losing to Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the semi-finals.
Broos has also led Bafana to qualification for another AFCON tournament and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“What I’ve noticed when we speak to other African legends is that they all talk about the improvement of Bafana Bafana,” Khumalo said on the 10bet South Africa Podcast.
“What frustrates these African countries about Bafana Bafana is that they play tiki-taka football. Other African teams might make two passes and then go forward, but Bafana build from the back, starting with Ronwen Williams.”
Khumalo explained that this approach often leaves opponents unsure of how to defend against Broos’ side.
“This frustrates even the big countries in Africa because they don’t know whether to press high or to sit in a middle or low block,” he said. “When you press them high, they pass the ball back to Ronwen, and then Ronwen plays into midfield to Tebza (Teboho Mokoena). Suddenly, three of your players are isolated.”
The former Kaizer Chiefs star drew comparisons with Mamelodi Sundowns’ style of play, noting that the national team previously featured several players from the Pretoria-based club.
“I started noticing this at Mamelodi Sundowns, where they would play with Andile (Jali) while there was a player positioned behind him, aiming to eliminate that opponent,” Khumalo explained.
“Bafana Bafana do something similar. They pass the ball to a player who is marked, and when that player receives it and moves, they are able to eliminate the marker. That movement then creates space to find players like Evidence Makgopa or Lyle Foster. That’s what frustrates many teams across Africa.”
After their opening match against Angola, Bafana Bafana will face Egypt in their second Group B fixture on Boxing Day in Agadir.
Their final group match is scheduled for December 29 against Zimbabwe, a side that almost derailed their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes by holding them to a draw in October.
