Former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth has lauded Hugo Broos for guiding South Africa to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but has identified where he thinks the Belgian can improve.
The 1996 African champions return to the quadrennial global football showpiece for the first time since 2010, when they hosted the tournament. But Bafana last passed through a qualification campaign when they booked a ticket for the Korea/Japan 2002 under Carlos Queiroz, who, however, did not go with them to the tournament.
That makes Broos the third coach to help South Africa claim a berth at this competition after the late Clive Barker took them to France 1998, although Frenchman Philippe Troussier was in charge at the finals.
In the World Cup editions they have graced, Bafana have failed to advance past the group stage. Should Broos be with the team in the USA/Canada/Mexico, he has an opportunity to make history by taking South Africa to the knockout stages for the first time.
WHAT SHOULD HUGO BROOS DO BETTER?
Booth has pinpointed an area he believes the 2017 AFCON-winning coach can improve.
“One of the few criticisms about Broos is that he hasn’t really looked at overseas players much since he arrived here. I don’t think that should be the case,” Booth told FARPost.
“He should travel and watch, and to reassure, let players overseas know that he is keeping tabs on them.
“I think that is very important. I don’t think he has done enough of that. Now with the squad having qualified for the World Cup, it’s not right to change the squad because this is the squad that has worked very hard to qualify.”
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns players currently dominate Bafana and South Africa. This might see Broos arguing that his squad, mainly composed of PSL players, has been able to stand toe-to-toe with teams dominated by Europe-based stars.
The 73-year-old is set to step down as Bafana coach after the World Cup, as he retires from coaching. He has already anointed his successor in Helman Mkhalele, who is currently his assistant coach.
“So, I think whichever coach takes over after the World Cup 2026, I would like to see that coach be inclusive. Try to get to Europe as much as possible, watch as many PSL games as possible and cast the net wider,” concluded Booth.
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