‘Bafana staff worked until 12/1 in the morning’ – Broos

The Afcon bronze medalist, Bafana Bafana, landed on home soil at 04:00 this morning. Coach Hugo Broos addressed the media with a special note to his support staff.

ALSO READ: Chiefs starting 11 with latest signing

ALSO READ: ‘Lorch can play 7, 11, 10, 9 and a half’ says Sundowns coach Rulani

BAFANA BAFANA ARRIVE AT THE OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Speaking to the media this morning, Broos revealed that his support staff, including the analysts and medical staff worked until the wee hours before match days.

“I also want to thank the staff and what I mean with this is you know when you achieve something like this, third place, people are talking about the coach.

“People are talking about the players but nobody talks about all those other people who work day and night nearly for four/five weeks,” the Bafana tactician said via SABC Sport.

“I’m thinking of the medical staff, those people were working until 12/1 o’clock in the morning to get the players in good shape again, to give massages, to give treatment, they were always there for the players,” the Belgian concluded.

ALSO READ: Three clubs in France and Belgium chase Bafana striker

HOW SOUTH AFRICA WON BRONZE AT AFCON 2023

The campaign started with a glitch as South Africa lost 2-0 to Mali.

Hugo Broos’ men responded with a 4-0 win over Namibia before drawing 0-0 with Tunisia.

Bafana went on to shock Morocco 2-0 in the last 16 and then beat Cape Verde 0-0 (2-1) on penalties in the quarter-finals.

ALSO READ: Orlando Pirates starting 11 with three new signings

ALSO READ: Mokora Swallows sign 7 players

South Africa eventually lost (1-1) 4-2 on penalties against Nigeria in the semi-finals before beating DR Congo in the third-place match to clinch the bronze medal.

“I said after Nigeria match that I was proud of this team, and I think people can see why I say I am proud of this team. We were not fresh but when you see the mentality in that group, it is impressive,” said Bafana coach Broos, quoted by All Africa.

“The boys did very well. They showed great mentality. They tried to do what I asked, and I understand that it was difficult. It shows that we if we have problems, we can count on those who are on the bench.

“I was satisfied with players on the pitch, but I was even more satisfied with those not on the pitch. They were encouraging them and pushing them. From this, you know that you have 23 guys who want one thing and that is winning.

“With this third place, we don’t have to think now everything is okay, there is still a lot of work to do,” the Belgian coach added.

“But I think the basic is there, everyone knows now that when they play for the national team, what we expect from a player, is the good mentality, and we show it,” the tactician continued.

ALSO READ: Bafana star Williams wins big Afcon award

“If you can play all those games like my team did then you have the right mentality so again the basics is there now. The players are there now, even though we still have to go and work on it and try to progress with the team.

“But yes, we are two steps further than two years ago and I think this is very important,” the Bafana mentor concluded.

You can find more articles from Siseko Gwegwe here.