Hugo Broos makes a shocking Bafana Bafana revelation as Belgian coach states 'players treated the national team like a holiday' after securing World Cup qualification

Hugo Broos was appointed the Bafana Bafana head coach on May 5, 2021, taking over from Molefi Ntseki, who had been fired for failing to guide the team to qualify for the 2021 AFCON. 

The then 69-year-old had come as a free agent, having quit his role as KV Oostende's caretaker coach.

Broos, who had won the AFCON title with Cameroon in 2017, signed a five-year deal with SAFA and helped South Africa qualify for the 2023 continental edition, where they finished third. 

When he came in as a coach, Bafana Bafana had dropped to 15th in the continent and 75th in the world despite the massive talent in the country. 

Broos had a tough time getting players who could help him return the lost glory of the 1996 AFCON champions.

It wasn't going to be an easy task for the Belgian, who has now helped South Africa to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

He has explained how the players treated the national team.  

“When I came here, players treated the national team like a holiday,” the tactician revealed.

“They came for a week, had fun, trained a little, and went back to their clubs. That changed. I told them this is not a holiday, it’s work.

“You need players with quality, the right attitude, and the hunger to achieve. That’s how you build a team. No presents, no gifts, you have to earn everything," Broos added. 

“They work for each other. If one makes a mistake, the other corrects it. That’s how champions play. We’ve come from being doubted to being respected across Africa. 

"The players now believe they belong on the big stage," he concluded. 

The country's main focus will be on the forthcoming 2025 AFCON that will be played in Morocco from December 21. 

After finishing third in the last edition, Broos is hoping to guide South Africa to the first position.