Coach Hugo Broos did not hide his emotions after Bafana Bafana secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time, using the moment to defend both his squad and the decisions that brought them there.
South Africa’s 1-0 victory over South Korea on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning (South African time) in Mexico, Monterrey sealed second place in Group A and booked a spot in the round of 32, marking another significant chapter in the national team’s football journey.
In the aftermath of the result, Broos reflected on weeks of criticism that followed Bafana’s opening defeat to Mexico.
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News24 highlighted the coach’s defiant response as he celebrated what he described as a historic achievement for South African football.
The veteran coach also turned the spotlight onto his players, who recovered from a difficult start to the tournament with a draw against the Czech Republic before delivering the win that mattered most.
‘I’m very proud of the performance of my team and I think we gave an answer to all those big mouths of the last weeks that thought that we had to change something,’ said Broos.
‘We just did what we did. We just did what I wanted to do and this is the result.’
The result carried added significance for South Africa, who had not appeared at a World Cup since hosting the tournament in 2010.
It also ensured Bafana Bafana would advance beyond the group stage for the first time in history.
Thapelo Maseko’s second-half goal proved decisive as South Africa edged South Korea in what effectively became a winner-takes-all contest for qualification.
Broos, who has led the national side since 2021, said the achievement was especially meaningful because of the relationship he has developed with the squad.
‘The relationship between the players and me, this is very good,’ he said.
‘Between me as a coach and them as players is yes, maybe something unique, I’m the coach, but I’m not a coach. I think I’m a friend of theirs.’
At 74, the Belgian admitted the occasion carried personal significance as he reflected on the latter stages of a coaching career spanning decades across club and international football.
‘I said it already in the past that probably it will be one of the last games of my career and when you can end a career like I had in this way, I think everybody or every coach dreams of it.’
Attention now shifts to Los Angeles, where South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in the round of 32 on Sunday at 9pm (South African time).
Broos believes his players are far from finished.
‘I just know that the players will be ready again and try to achieve the third round,’ he stated.
‘It should be even more historic. But those players are chasing those things. Those players want to prove to everyone and to show that they are a good team.’
Bafana Bafana will still be without veteran midfielder Themba Zwane for the clash against Canada after he received a three-match suspension following the group-stage encounter against Czechia, while Teboho Mokoena returns to contention after serving a one-match suspension, as per Goal.
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