Coach Broos itching for success

Having tasted the pride and joy that comes with lifting the Caf Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) trophy before, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos (below) says he is eager to experience it again.

Belgian national Broos, lifted the prestigious Afcon trophy with Cameroon back in 2017, during the first stint in his career as a national team coach, having taken charge of the Central-African nation in 2016.

The 71-year-old South African senior national men’s team mentor is itching for success with his Bafana team heading to the 2024 Afcon in the Ivory Coast, starting on Saturday and running until 11 February.

But, Broos says winning the competition doesn’t come easy, and it’s not only about having quality players in your squad, but mental strength as well.

“Yes, and for me it is still a special experience. Winning a big tournament and winning it in Africa, I learned requires a totally different mentality.

“For me, it was a fantastic experience, winning five or six years ago. So, if you’re going to ask me if I want to do it again, surely I want to do it again,” said the Bafana coach.

“I’m looking forward to the games and the atmosphere, the total atmosphere of the tournament. You see everybody wanting to show how good they are and everyone is motivated, making for a very tough tournament.

So it’s not only about quality, but you also have to be mentally at the top.”

With the team having reported for camp in Stellenbosch this past weekend, the few days off his players had prior to reporting, had been good for them and they were fresh.

“When you are a professional, after four or five days off you need the ball. That’s what I saw at training, and it’s a good sign,” he added.