Bafana Bafana Hugo Broos Chivaviro Zimbabwe

Bafana coach Hugo Broos. Photo: Twitter

Kick-off time for Bafana clash, job on the line for Broos

Hugo Broos has no intention of quitting as Bafana coach, but his job security will surely depend on the outcome of Tuesday’s match.

Bafana Bafana Hugo Broos Chivaviro Zimbabwe

Bafana coach Hugo Broos. Photo: Twitter

Last Friday, Liberia fought back to claim a shock draw against Bafana and snatch a valuable point away from home in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

It’s ramped up the pressure ahead of Tuesday’s return clash in Monrovia, with Bafana needing to win to book their place in the African Cup of Nations. The game will kick off at 6pm SA time.

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After the disappointing draw last week, an emotional Hugo Broos left the bench in the dying minutes of the match and headed straight to the changeroom, while he also failed to attend the post-match television interviews and the post-match press conference.

It was at least partly a sign of the pressure he is increasingly coming under, and many South Africans won’t forget the bold words he uttered at his first press conference on May 12 in 2021.

“If Bafana Bafana don’t qualify for the 2023 Afcon, you can kill me,” he stated at that time.

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Earlier this month he also refused to backtrack on the do-or-die importance of qualifying.

“They have the right to do it, hey,” Broos responded when reminded about what he said when he took the job. “You can never be guaranteed qualification but I believe we will. I believe strongly we’re going to qualify because I believe in the players we have. I saw it in [South Arica’s friendlies in] September and November, what they can do. So, therefore I believe we will succeed.”

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THE BAFANA BOSS HAS SAID HE IS NOT READY TO QUIT

This past weekend, Broos also dismissed suggestions that he ever considered quitting Bafana Bafana in the heat of the moment on Friday and heading back home to his native Belgium.

“Yes, yes, for sure for sure, if there is something I want it is to qualify (Bafana Bafana) for the Africa Cup of Nations,” he continued. “It has been the same (goal) since I got to South Africa. It is something I have worked for in the last two years and it was with ups and downs. Sometimes people didn’t understand why I took some decisions, but I think everyone saw yesterday that we have a good team.

“Yeah, let’s be clear about that also. And let’s be clear again that I still believe in the team and that I want to go with them to the Afcon next year in Côte d’Ivoire. So there is no doubt about it, and I will again do everything I can to win on Tuesday, and to assure qualification for Afcon in January next year. So let there be no doubt about that.”

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SQUAD TO FACE LIBERIA:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United)

Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala (all Sundowns), Innocent Maela, Nkosinathi Sibisi (both Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu (Turan Tovus, Azerbaijan)

Midfielders: Luke Le Roux (Varbergs BoIS, Sweden), Miguel Timm (Pirates), Sphephelo SIthole (Belenenses, Portugal), Teboho Mokoena (Sundowns)

Forwards: Monnapule Saleng (Pirates), Themba Zwane, Cassius Mailula (both Sundowns), Zakhele Lepasa (SuperSport), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota, USA), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt)

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Hugo Broos 230man Bafana Bafana squad
Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad. Photo: Twitter