Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has sent a fierce message to his detractors following South Africa’s disappointing opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, firmly insisting that he will continue to do things his way.
South Africa are under immense pressure to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat against co-hosts Mexico last week when they lock horns with Czechia at the Atlanta Stadium on Thursday evening [18:00 SA time].
Broos faced intense scrutiny back home after adopting a heavily defensive approach at the iconic Estadio Azteca. Critics have argued that the Belgian tactician should have deployed a more offensive line-up, pointing to the benching of explosive attackers like Thapelo Maseko and the Orlando Pirates duo of Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis.
However, speaking to the media ahead of the crucial group stage clash against Czechia, a defiant Broos made it clear he would not be swayed by public opinion.
𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬
Bafana Bafana will face Czechia in their second Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium at 18:00 [SA Time].
Hugo Broos’ charges are under pressure to register their first win of the tournament following a disappointing 2-0 loss to co-hosts… pic.twitter.com/dSpZOAwqSD
— FARPost (@FARPostZA) June 18, 2026
HUGO BROOS: ‘I NEVER LISTEN TO THE TRASH ON SOCIAL MEDIA’
“I have been a coach for nearly 40 years, and I know that being criticised is part of the job,” Broos stated. “So, at the moment, I am being criticised. But people have to know—for those who still don’t know it—I do it my way. I never listen to the trash on social media. I never listen to people who sometimes think they are important and feel they have to criticise the team.”
The veteran mentor didn’t stop there, taking a direct swipe at the credentials of those leading the backlash against his tactical choices.
“When I look at what they [the critics] achieved before, I think it’s better that they shut up,” Broos fired back. “Again, I know what went wrong. We had a thorough debrief after the game against Mexico.
“The players know it, and that is the most important thing. For the rest of the time, I have been doing it my way. Tomorrow [tonight], the supporters will want this player, another one, or a third one. If I don’t agree, that player will not be in the team.”
With Bafana Bafana’s World Cup survival on the line, Broos is banking on his decades of experience and squad harmony to silence the noise on the pitch tonight.
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