Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has revealed what shocked him when he took charge of his first AFCON match, saying he didn’t believe his eyes.
The 2023 AFCON with Bafana will be Broos’ second tournament following his stint with Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
The Belgian mentor conquered the continent in 2017 in Gabon to hand Cameroon their fifth AFCON title after defeating Egypt 2-1 in the final.
Hugo Broos says he was shocked with the intensity and toughness of the AFCON. He adds that it’s totally different to European football.
HUGO BROOS SAYS AFCON IS TOUGH AND INTENSE
“I think I have to give my experience to the players. The players have to be aware that this is a tough tournament, really tough tournament,” said Broos.
“I didn’t believe my eyes, so tough, so intense. That experience, I have to give to my players so that they are aware on Tuesday [against Mali] on the next kickoff so they know what will come.
“The most important thing when you speak about my experience as a coach is it was a very good thing that I always watch AFCON because seven years ago, it was okay. Now we are in the stage, it’s totally different with Europe, and that for me, was a good experience.”
“All the teams are 500 per cent motivated; it’s like they play for their lives every game. There are very tough, intense games, and that experience for me was a big surprise when I played the first games against Burkina Faso and Guinea Bissau.”
Bafana’s first assignment in Group E will be against Mali who boasts of many overseas-based players. The second match will be against Namibia, a side they are familiar with.
The 1996 AFCON champions will wrap-up their group stages campaign against 2004 African champions Tunisia.
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