Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Linda Buthelezi recently opened up about his earlier criticisms of national team coach Hugo Broos.
Upon reflection, Buthelezi recognized that he may have been too quick to judge during Broos’s early tenure.
Broos’s Impact on Bafana Bafana
Under Broos’s leadership, the Bafana Bafana team has seen a significant transformation, becoming a competitive force in African football.
Their impressive performance in the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, where they finished third, showcased their progress.
However, when Broos first took charge, he didn’t receive a warm welcome from everyone.
His tendency to seek talent and coaching staff from outside South Africa raised eyebrows and sparked skepticism among fans and former players.
A Change of Heart
Buthelezi admitted that his earlier criticisms weren’t entirely fair.
“I publicly criticized Broos when he arrived, but my main frustration was aimed at SAFA (South African Football Association),” he explained in an interview with FARPost.
He praised Broos for proving skeptics wrong, stating, “This old man has done a lot of good things.”
He specifically highlighted the decision to appoint Helman Mkhalele as an assistant coach as a smart move.
A Call for Support
Additionally, Buthelezi emphasized the need for greater support for the current national team.
He believes the team has tremendous potential and, with the right encouragement, could achieve significant milestones, such as qualifying for the World Cup or reaching the AFCON final.
“Our national team is excellent. I wish the minister of sports, Gayton McKenzie, could step up and support this team like others have failed to do,” he expressed passionately.
As it stands, Bafana Bafana is on the verge of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON.
A win in their upcoming matches, including a home game against South Sudan and an away clash with group leaders Uganda, will secure their spot in Morocco.
With the right support and guidance, the future looks bright for the team under Broos’s leadership.
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