Davids Praises Broos For Transforming Bafana Bafana
Raja Casablanca coach Fadlu Davids has praised Hugo Broos for transforming Bafana Bafana into one of the most competitive national teams in African football.
Under Broos’ leadership, South Africa have evolved into a formidable side and re-established themselves as a dangerous force on the continent.
The Belgian tactician, who was appointed as Bafana Bafana head coach in 2021, has overseen a remarkable turnaround after years of stagnation. His impact has been clear both in results and in the team’s identity.
Broos guided South Africa to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance at the global showpiece since 2002, and also led the team to a third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Currently, Bafana Bafana have progressed to the knockout stages of the 2025 AFCON and will face Cameroon on Sunday, with hopes of going all the way and lifting the trophy.
“You have to give Hugo Broos credit. He has transformed the national team—he really has,” Davids said on the African Five-A-Side Podcast.
“You have to give Hugo Broos credit. He has transformed the national team, he transformed it,” said Davids in an African Five-A-Side Podcast.
“It’s a little bit like when Jurgen Klopp came to Liverpool, turning doubters into believers. He received a lot of criticism in the beginning, and slowly but surely stuck to his guns; he was really clear with his decisions, and what he made. Not always choosing the best players, but putting the best team on the pitch.
“I was really impressed with how he handled not only the media but whenever the players stepped onto the pitch, you could see an energy, a grit, a fight, and speak to some players who have played under him, they’re quite impressed. So quite optimistic this time around that we can go all the way to the final, but let’s hope for the Morocco and South Africa final. That would be the ultimate.”
The former Maritzburg United coach also called on South Africans to rally behind Broos, insisting he has earned the trust of the nation.
“We have to back him and trust him. He’s earned it. Not every coach who comes in earns the trust of the South African public. Let’s support him and hope we go all the way,” Davids concluded.
