Broos issues strong AFCON warning to Bafana troops

Coach Hugo Broos issues a strong warning to his Bafana Bafana troops, that they must not compare AFCON with CAF Champions League.

Having won AFCON with Cameroon, Broos says the continental tournament is so intense because it features European-based players

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The Belgian mentor will lead his Bafana troops against Mali on Tuesday next week and he has a strong warning for his soldiers.

At the same time, he states that he will share all the valuable experience he gained when he was in charge of Cameroon – saying he was shocked.

BROOS ISSUES STRONG AFCON WARNING TO BAFANA TROOPS

The outspoken Bafana manager explains that he was surprised to witness the standard of the AFCON and that all the teams are motivated – he warns his troops.

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Broos miraculously won the 2017 edition in Gabon with an underrated Indomitable Lions squad as they defeated the Pharaohs of Egypt in the final.

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“I think I have to give my experience to the players. They have to be aware that this is a tough tournament and even guys from [Mamelodi] Sundowns, who play in the CAF Champions League, can’t compare that with a match at Afcon,” Broos said.

“You have the best players. When you play in the Champions League, you always play against African players who play in local competitions.

“In Afcon, you play against guys who play in Europe. That’s the difference. Secondly, all the teams are motivated. It’s like they play for their lives.”

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COACH ON WHY AFCON IS DIFFERENT, WARNS HIS TROOPS

The 1996 African champions are tipped to finish in the semi-finals and Broos adds that there are very tough opponents at AFCON.

He reveals he was seriously shocked to experience the intensity and standard of the AFCON competition but he will share the experience with his troops.

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“So, there are very tough, very intense games and I think that’s an experience for me. It was a big surprise when I played the first games against Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau,” adds Broos.

“I didn’t believe my eyes, so tough, so intense. I think that experience I have to give to my players to know what to expect on Tuesday.

“I didn’t know the intensity, how people looked at it. It’s different from Europe.”

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