Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Keagan Buchanan feels Hugo Broos has forged a similar connection with Bafana Bafana players as Rassie Erasmus has with the Springboks.
Erasmus’ Springboks have set the standard, winning major titles with consistent excellence. Under Broos, Bafana have enjoyed a major resurgence. The highlight was a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] and a return to the FIFA World Cup since 2002.
South Africa successfully qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a 24-year drought in qualification [excluding 2010, when they qualified as hosts]. The 72-year-old also made history by becoming the first coach to lead Bafana Bafana to consecutive AFCON tournaments.
Previewing AFCON 2025, Buchanan believes Bafana Bafana will arrive in Morocco as one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams to watch.
BAFANA BAFANA A TEAM TO WATCH AT AFCON 2025
“I think if you look at him [Hugo Broos], there’s no way he’s not telling them they must go try and win it,” Buchanan said on the Michael Morton Speaks Football podcast.
“And I think if you look at the confidence he’s brought in that team, he’s kind of built the country like a club. The way he’s been consistent in selection, and even with the players he’s brought in, it’s been somewhat an image of someone else’s club.
“He knows what he wants to do for the national team. He is not afraid to make big decisions. They ask him on TV why he doesn’t pick a player, and he says he does not care.
“He has Benni [McCarthy] vibes. Benni tells you straight what he does and what he doesn’t. He transfers his confidence to his players. You can see the way the national team is playing…
“They are not just playing for the country, they are playing for him as well. The players will die for him. Nevermind fighting for the country, the flag… when you have that Springboks and Rassie [Erasmus] vibes…there’s that strong connection. We can see it now. Bafana don’t look like they can lose.
“We are a powerhouse again. In Ronwen [Williams], we have the best keeper in Africa, and we have a back four. I mean, in my opinion, besides [Ashraf] Hakimi, we have the best right-back in Africa,” Buchanan added.
After growing up in Athlone, Cape Town, Buchanan’s professional football career started at FC Cape Town [2012–2013]. He then moved to Bloemfontein Celtic, where he played from 2013 to 2016, followed by a two-year stint with Kaizer Chiefs (2016–2018). Buchanan soon joined Maritzburg United [2018–2021], now called Durban City FC.
Following his time there, he played for AmaZulu FC from 2021 to 2023, before concluding his playing career at Cape Town Spurs [2023–2025].
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