Broos Demands “Real Bafana” Return In Panama Friendlies
DURBAN – Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos demands a return to the “passion and determination” of the past two years when his side faces Panama, admitting the recent Africa Cup of Nations exit remains a “bitter pill to swallow.”
South Africa hosts the North Americans in two FIFA-sanctioned friendlies, kicking off at Moses Mabhida Stadium this Friday, followed by a second leg at DHL Stadium on Tuesday.
Shaking Off the AFCON Ghost
The national team returns to action for the first time since their January disappointment in Morocco, where they crashed out in the Round of 16 following a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon.
The early exit stung, especially after Bafana claimed a bronze medal in the 2024 edition and secured 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification with a dominant 3-0 win over Rwanda in October.
Reflecting on the recent slump, Broos was blunt about his expectations for Friday’s clash.
“The only thing I want to see is a real Bafana Bafana on Friday, the Bafana Bafana team that we know from the past two years that gave us some great results and fantastic performances, qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), third place in the AFCON in Ivory Coast and qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” he said.
Broos acknowledged that the team’s identity wavered during the tournament in Morocco.
“We lost that a little bit three months ago in the AFCON in Morocco. I hope to see it again on Friday, the team that plays with passion, the team that is determined when the players are out on the pitch, and the team that plays football. This is something that I hope to see again on Friday.”
A Point to Prove in Durban
The return to Durban carries extra weight. Bafana Bafana’s last outing at Moses Mabhida Stadium ended in a frustrating draw against Zimbabwe during the penultimate World Cup qualifiers.
To boost morale, the squad received a high-profile visitor at their Durban camp on Thursday. Two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi spent time with the players, offering veteran advice as the team begins its final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
