Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has fiercely defended his decision to drag his six axed preliminary squad players to Wednesday night’s live World Cup announcement, blasting claims that he publicly humiliated his own players.
The straight-talking Belgian tactician found himself at the centre of a raging social media storm after the six unfortunate stars — who were cut from the final 26-man travelling squad — had to sit outside at the Union Buildings while the final team was read out live on national television.
Fans and pundits alike labelled the move “cruel” and “embarrassing” as the players’ names were visibly left off the roster in front of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
However, speaking at a media briefing on Thursday morning, an unapologetic Broos revealed the deep, brotherhood-driven psychology behind his controversial decision.
For Broos, sending the players packing on Wednesday afternoon before the prestigious presidential send-off would have been the ultimate act of betrayal.
“I am a coach who believes in being a group. And for me, there is no player who is above the group because there is no one player who can win me a game,” Broos explained passionately.
“We win games with the group… So, I wanted to keep the group together even in bad moments. For me, I think it would have been worse for the players if I had told them yesterday afternoon, ‘Look guys, go home because you are not part of the 26’. That would not have been right.”
The Bafana mentor argued that allowing the players to experience the glitz, glamour, and motivation of meeting the State President was a badge of honour they earned, regardless of whether they are boarding the plane to Mexico City next week.
“That is why I kept them. Together they went to the event with the president. Yes, the decision made there was disappointing for them, but they were still members of Bafana Bafana,” the coach insisted.
“I think it was not as bad as if I had told them yesterday afternoon and said, ‘Look guys, go home now,’ and not even have them come to see the president.”
Broos concluded by stating that the gesture was meant to show maximum respect and inject long-term confidence into the players, rather than alienate them from the national setup.
“I wanted them to feel that I had confidence in them, but that I had to make a choice. It had nothing to do with anything else, but just making the choice. I think it was the best way to do it.”
While the public debate will likely rage on throughout the week, Broos has drawn a line in the sand. Bafana Bafana moves as a pack in victory, in heartbreak, and all the way to the global showpiece.
