Hugo Broos is not panicking
There was no drama and no visible frustration when Hugo Broos arrived back in Johannesburg this week. After Bafana Bafana bowed out in the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the coach was calm, measured and very clear about where his attention lies next.
For Broos, the disappointment of AFCON is a chapter that must be closed quickly. The veteran coach says criticism is part of the job, especially after defeat, and he has seen it all before across nearly four decades in football.
He believes frustration from supporters is natural, but it is not something that derails his long-term thinking.
Read more: Lyle Foster Urges Bafana Bafana To Reset After Painful AFCON Exit
Experience over emotion
Speaking after landing at OR Tambo International Airport, Broos explained that setbacks tend to magnify noise around a team, particularly after a tournament that raised expectations.
He insists he does not dwell on the backlash, pointing out that emotional reactions are often short-lived. In his view, football moves fast, and attention soon shifts to the next challenge.
That challenge, for South Africa, is much bigger than AFCON.
Lessons from Morocco
Broos admits the past few weeks require honest reflection. He plans a detailed review of the tournament, looking at what worked, what failed, and where improvements are needed.
This analysis, he says, will shape how the team approaches the months leading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The goal is not to dwell on disappointment but to use it as fuel for growth.
A short reset before a long road
The coach will briefly return to Belgium to spend time with his family before resuming work. By February, he will be back in South Africa, continuing preparations and monitoring players closely.
South Africa’s World Cup journey begins against co-hosts Mexico on 11 June. They will then face the winner of the UEFA playoff in March, before closing their group campaign against South Korea on 24 June.
For Broos, the message is simple. AFCON did not go to plan, but the World Cup is the real target. Everything from here on is about arriving there stronger, wiser, and better prepared.
Source: SABC Sport
Featured Image Source: Yolulwe_Qoshe on X
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