Broos changes tune on support from SA fans after Bafana’s warm welcome
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos admits that he used to be frustrated by the lack of support but has now changed his tune after the welcome event at O.R Tambo International Airport on Wednesday.
Broos and his Bafana squad landed in the country in the early hours of Wednesday morning, welcomed by a larger number of South Africans.
Last year, the Belgian raised his concerns about the empty stadiums when the national team plays during the AFCON qualifiers. But the 71-year-old was highly impressed with the turnout at O.R Tambo on Wednesday and admitted the team needs all the support.
“The team is there, the confidence is there, and the supporters are there. So thank you for that; you all came here today because in the past I would sometimes complain; where are the supporters,” he said.
“But they [supporters] are here, and I thank you for that because we need you. Thank you very much.”
SUPPORT FOR THE BAFANA BAFANA FROM SOUTH AFRICANS COMMENDED
“I am very proud of this team. I said it already a few days ago. This is a fantastic team, and it’s not just 23 football players but 23 friends. The way they treat each other and the way they help each other on the pitch, there is always a team that is going for 100 per cent.
“It’s very important that those guys on the bench are supporting them, and what I saw from those guys, many thanks for that. That is also one of the reasons why we finished third in this AFCON,” he added.
In addition, Broos says it would be difficult to single out a highlight from the CAF AFCON tournament. But receiving the Bronze medal also ranks with the best moments.
“It is difficult to have a highlight because all around, it was good. We played good games, and we got more support from the country,” he added.
“So it is very difficult to pick out a highlight. Maybe the highlight was when we got the medals at the stadium in the Ivory Coast. It was a fantastic feeling.”
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