Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo has fiercely defended Hugo Broos and his squad, hitting back at critics who doubted South Africa’s quality on the global stage.
The Kaizer Chiefs icon reminded fans that the same squad was written off after their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their Group A opener. Khumalo stressed that the players endured “harsh criticism” before bouncing back to script a historic chapter in South African football.
Bafana Bafana secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time in history following a thrilling 1-0 victory over South Korea at Estadio Monterrey on Thursday. Thapelo Maseko’s clinical 63rd-minute strike was enough to secure second place in Group A with four points. Hugo Broos’ men are now scheduled to face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32 in Los Angeles this coming Sunday.
South Africa faced a must-win scenario going into the final group match, while a draw would have been sufficient for South Korea to advance. Following their opening defeat to Mexico, Bafana kept their hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic. Mexico ultimately topped Group A with a perfect nine points after defeating the Czechs 3-0 in the simultaneous fixture.
‘THEY DISRESPECTED MZANSI’ — DOCTOR KHUMALO
Speaking on SABC3 after the final whistle, the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] winner expressed his pride, noting that the team was unfairly dismissed as mere tourists.
“I have to applaud the boys — well done. They’ve made history,” Khumalo said. “They fought until the very last whistle, despite all the noise and doubt surrounding them.
“People disrespected Mzansi. The world, Africa — they all disrespected these boys. They were written off as just making up the numbers in this tournament. It was painful for us to see that and hear those comments.”
Khumalo further highlighted the scepticism directed at the domestic league, with many pundits questioning whether a largely locally based squad could compete at the highest level.
“Every analysis from across the world, every pundit’s take on these boys, was negative. Nobody gave them a chance,” he added.
“They said local players aren’t fit for this level, that they don’t belong here. All kinds of criticism came our way. You know what? Right now, I just want to sit back and wait. I want to hear what the world and Africa will say now, after what these boys have just done.”
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