Broos: I Don’t Listen To Social’s Big Mouths
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has responded to criticism from South African fans who called for his dismissal following the team’s elimination from the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, saying that “users on X have big mouths.”
The backlash from supporters began after Bafana Bafana lost their second group-stage match in a dramatic encounter against Egypt on Boxing Day. In that match, Egypt were awarded a penalty after Khuliso Mudau fouled Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.
In the second half, Egypt were also penalised for a handball inside the box, but Broos’ side were denied a penalty after intervention from the Video Assistant Referee.
Despite the controversy, Broos’ team still progressed to the knockout stage after recording victories over Zimbabwe and Angola in the group stages. However, their AFCON campaign came to an end with a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in the round of 16.
Following the loss, a large number of South African fans took to social media to express their frustration, with many calling for Broos to step down as head coach.
“I don’t read social media because there’s a stretch on what is on social media,” Broos said.
“You know, the experience of 40 years (as a coach, I learned) that when everything is good, all those guys on social media shut up, but once there’s defeat, they have big mouths.
“They have big mouths now, but I can manage that. So, whatever they say and think, I don’t care because in four years here (coaching Bafana), and in those four years, I don’t listen to that, and I will not listen to that again in the last six months here.”
The defeat to the Indomitable Lions was a disappointing one for Bafana, as they had a good run in the 2023 edition, where they won bronze medals in the Ivory Coast. With this defeat, the 73-year-old mentor added that he lifted up his players from the disappointment.
“I spoke already with them,” Broos added.
“My job is to analyze what happened, what was wrong, and what was good. I’m trying to correct the wrong things and be stronger for the next six months.”
Bafana Bafana will now put focus on the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup that will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The 1996 African champions will be returning to the biggest world competition after missing out on the 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions.
