South Africa coach Broos slams critics after qualifying for round of 32
South Africa coach Hugo Broos has fired back at critics following their 1-0 win over South Korea on Thursday which qualified them for the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Bafana Bafana made history by qualifying for the second round for the first time in the history of the tournament thanks to a solitary goal by Thapelo Maseko in the 63rd minute.
South Africa, who are making their fourth appearance in the tournament, finished second with four points in Group A behind co-hosts Mexico. The El-tri won all their games to earn nine points.
Broos’ men endured a disappointing start to the tournament with the 2-0 loss to Mexico in the opening game before they battled to a 1-1 draw against Czech Republic.
The team was widely criticised for their performances in the first two games.
However, Broos has responded to the critics after his side booked their place in the second round.
He said: “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.
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“We just did what we did. We just did what I wanted to do and this is the result.
“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.”
The Belgian coach said he had always believed in his players despite their poor start to the tournament.
Broos concluded: “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. So the relationship between the players and me, this is very good.
“I just know that the players will be ready again and try to achieve the third round.
“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. So we will see next Sunday if we can go further.”
South Africa will face Canada, one of the tournament co-hosts, in Los Angeles on Sunday.
