Renowned Belgian coach Hugo Broos, who steered Cameroon to victory in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is set for a compelling return to the prestigious tournament, this time at the helm of South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana.
After an absence from the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, South Africa marked an emphatic comeback in the 2023 edition under the seasoned guidance of the 71-year-old Broos.
Appointed in May 2021 following the dismissal of Molefi Ntseki, Broos orchestrated South Africa’s qualification, securing the second position in Group F behind Morocco.
Possessing a wealth of experience, Broos has seemingly mastered the intricacies of African football, particularly the AFCON.
In less than a year as the head coach of Cameroon, he secured a remarkable fifth title for the Indomitable Lions in 2017, ending a 15-year championship drought since the memorable triumph in Bamako, Mali, in 2002.
Broos, now at the helm of Bafana Bafana, boasts an impressive record of 11 wins, 6 draws, and 3 defeats. His coaching journey with Cameroon in the 2017 AFCON saw a resounding success, etching his name in the annals of Cameroonian football history.
During the 2017 AFCON, Broos led Cameroon through a series of commendable performances:
Day 1: Gabon 0-0 Cameroon
Day 2: Cameroon 2-1 Guinea-Bissau
Day 3: Burkina Faso 1-1 Cameroon
Quarter-finals: Senegal 0-1 Cameroon
Semi-finals: Cameroon 2-0 Ghana
Final: Egypt 1-2 Cameroon
As Broos embarks on another AFCON journey, the expectations are high for South Africa’s performance under the guidance of the seasoned tactician, who has a proven track record of success in the tournament.