Bafana Bafana Rising: Broos Eyes AFCON Glory and World Cup Dreams
In a raucous Cape Town Stadium, Bafana Bafana showcased their evolution under head coach Hugo Broos with a commanding 3-0 victory over South Sudan, securing top spot in AFCON qualifying Group K. The win, coming on the heels of a 2-0 triumph against Uganda in Kampala, underscored South Africa’s resurgence as a competitive force in African football.
Bafana’s form, which includes an impressive third-place finish in the 2023 Nations Cup in Ivory Coast, has sparked optimism for both the upcoming AFCON 2025 in Morocco and the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup in 2026. Broos, who previously led Cameroon to AFCON glory in 2017, believes his team is building a winning mentality.
“From the first minute, we played good football,” said Broos, reflecting on the South Sudan game. “It was a high tempo, with chances throughout. This team showed hunger and responsibility, and they didn’t disappoint the big crowd. When you see a performance like that, it’s clear we’ve progressed.”
Broos highlighted his players’ focus and discipline, comparing their consistency to other qualified teams like Tunisia, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso, who faltered in their final games.
“We didn’t spoil the party,” he said with pride. “The mentality in this team is what we need to challenge for bigger goals. If South Africa can qualify for the World Cup, it’s now. We have quality, a good team, and the belief to make it happen.”
The coach also praised his players for their tactical execution. “There was always movement, high tempo, and good passing. Everything I asked for, I saw on the field. This makes it difficult for opponents and gives us confidence for the challenges ahead.”
With 14 points, Bafana topped Group K ahead of Uganda (13 points). Now sharing the lead in World Cup qualifying Group C with Rwanda and Benin, the team looks poised for even greater achievements.
Broos, however, remains grounded. “We’re not where we want to be yet, but little by little, we’re becoming a very good team. Qualifying for the World Cup and competing at AFCON are our next big goals, and I’m confident we can do it.”
As Bafana Bafana continues to win hearts and fill stadiums, the dream of returning to the global stage and achieving continental glory feels more tangible than ever.