Johannesburg — Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says his five-year rebuilding project deserves credit after South Africa secured Africa Cup of Nations glory and a World Cup berth.
Broos, appointed in 2021, has promoted youth and reshaped the squad. The payoff came with an Afcon title and qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a 12-year absence from the tournament.
Speaking after the World Cup ticket was sealed, the Belgian said the progress followed “five years of hard work, not overnight fixes”. He urged observers to “respect the journey” rather than judge him solely on early setbacks.
Football Association officials echoed the coach, describing his tenure as a calculated long — term plan. Critics remain, noting sporadic results before this season, but supporters point to the current squad’s average age of 24 as evidence of lasting change.
South Africa now turns to World Cup preparations, with Broos under pressure to turn promise into points on the global stage.
Source: iol
