From Facing Maradona To Managing Bafana: Broos Reveals Why World Cup Stage Won’t Shake His Stars
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos admits that challenges mount ahead of the FIFA World Cup, given that both he and his current squad entirely lack managerial and playing experience at the tournament.
The upcoming global showpiece, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks the first World Cup appearance for both the veteran Belgian tactician and his 26-man roster.
South Africa opens the tournament against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca on 11 June, as the footballing world watches intensely.
It marks Bafana’s first appearance since hosting the global spectacle in 2010, following previous qualifications in 1998 and 2002.
While Broos commands immense respect on the continent—having guided Cameroon to Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) glory in 2017 and leading South Africa to a bronze medal at the 2024 AFCON—he has never marshaled a team from a World Cup dugout.
However, Broos possesses deep tournament roots in Mexico. He represented Belgium as a stubborn defender during the 1986 FIFA World Cup. That campaign stood as his sole playing appearance on the world stage, concluding with a heartbreaking semifinal loss to an Argentina side inspired by Diego Maradona’s legendary two-goal masterclass.
“It is special for the players, but I have many years of elite football experience,” Broos told Sportswire.
“In 1986, it was my first time experiencing it as a player. But okay, this is a completely different job. The global interest remains identical, but the scale is vastly superior now with 48 teams. When I played, it was a 24-team tournament. The landscape is much larger.”
Despite the escalating pressure, Broos insists there are distinct competitive advantages to exploit. Domestically, South African club football is experiencing an unprecedented golden era.
Mamelodi Sundowns, who form the tactical spine of the national team, captured their second CAF Champions League title this May.
Meanwhile, arch-rivals Orlando Pirates, who narrowly pipped Sundowns to the domestic league crown, boasts an experienced roster that powered their way to the CAF Champions League semifinals in the 2024/25 season.
“There is always a first time for everything,” Broos added defiantly.
“You cannot say, ‘Oh no, it is the first time.’ In four years’ time, it will also be the first time for other players and other countries. It doesn’t play a role.
“We have players from Sundowns and Pirates, and they have experience at the highest levels of competition. That is not really a problem.”
The expanded 48-team tournament features a fast-paced format across three North American nations, running from 11 June until 19 July.
