Kagisho Dikgacoi: Why Bafana Bafana mustn’t let go of Broos
Former Bafana Bafana and Crystal Palace midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi believes Belgian coach Hugo Broos is driving the national team in the right direction.
‘KG’, as he is widely known, represented Bafana in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was staged in South Africa.
In the first match of the tournament, Dikgacoi provided an assist for Siphiwe Tshabalala who scored the famous opening goal against Mexico.
The Brandfort-born, Dikgacoi made 55 appearances and scored only two goals in Bafana colours.
DIKGACOI BACKS BROOS TO GET IT RIGHT
Despite constant criticism of the Belgian tactician, the former Golden Arrows man, Dikgacoi has explained why Broos is the right man to lead the way.
“With the kind of attitude we have, we have a no-nonsense coach, and that’s how it should be like. I’m glad that so far, SAFA hasn’t decided to sack him,” Dikgacoi told FARPost.
“Yes, we haven’t qualified for World Cup and other things, but whenever we play, I feel like the guys are gelling well. They are getting to understand the coach’s philosophy.”
The 70-year-old outspoken coach, Broos has overseen 14 matches, winning eight, drawing three, and losing three.
Broos won the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions.
Dikgacoi went on to emphasise the need to have a blend of experienced players and youngsters in the national team to rustle up a solid squad that will compete in the near future.
WHY BAFANA NEED A MIXTURE OF EXPERIENCED AND YOUNG PLAYERS?
“Yes, we need young fresh legs but you have to mix that with a bit of experience, that’s how we got to be in the set-up of the senior team also,” added Dikgacoi.
“We would travel with the team even if you don’t play we got to learn from elder players, the likes of Benson Mhlongo, Aaron Mokoena, and others.
“I think if we can also do that, in a couple of years to come we can end up having a solid team that can perform anywhere but the experience is key, especially in international football.”
In recent years, Bafana have failed to quality for major tournaments; missing the delayed 2021 AFCON which was hosted in Cameroon earlier this year and the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Broos signed a five-year deal in 2021 with the mandate of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and 2024 AFCON set to be staged in Ivory Coast.
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