Hugo Broos: I was almost shot for saying Victor Osimhen, not Percy Tau, was a big star

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has revealed that he was “almost shot” in South Africa after he said Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen – and not Percy Tau – was a big star.

“They almost shot me for it, because I said that Percy Tau is not a big player,” Broos said in an interview on the Frank & Franky Podcast, as reported by Belgian media outlet, m.nieuwsblad.be

“When I talk about a great player, I think of (Sadio) Mané of Senegal or (Victor) Osimhen of Nigeria.

“The (South African) press then turns Percy Tau into a real star player.

“Strangely enough, Tau was criticised afterwards for not playing well.”

Hugo Broos’ comments did not sit well

Broos’ comments, highlighting the exceptional talent of Napoli’s Osimhen, did not sit well with some local fans and pundits who believe Tau’s achievements deserved more recognition.

Despite the backlash, Broos maintained his stance that players like Osimhen were currently performing at a higher level than Tau.

Broos, 72, took over as Bafana Bafana coach in May 2021.

He guided Bafana Bafana to the bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Broos’ overall record in charge reads: Played 32, won 15, drawn 11 and lost six for a win percentage of 46.9%.

2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Meanwhile, Broos will lead his Bafana Bafana team as they renew their rivalry with Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Friday, 7 June at 21:00 (SA time).

The two sides have been drawn in Group C along with Rwanda, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Benin.

After two rounds of matches, Bafana Bafana lie in second place with three points having beaten Benin 2-1 at home and lost 2-0 to Rwanda in the Central African country.

Nigeria sit in third place 1-1 draws against Zimbabwe and Lesotho.