Hugo Broos Acknowledges Early AFCON Exit Would Be Fatal and Warns of Approaching Intensity

• Hugo Broos is aiming for a final shot at success and knows SAFA will not accept failure
• The Belgian is not thinking of retirement but admits the end of his career is approaching
• South Africa are drawn with Mali, Tunisia and Namibia and progress is non-negotiable

Every journey eventually rests at its final destination.

Hugo Broos has spent more than three decades in the dugout, after almost twenty years playing club and international football.

The Belgian is contracted to South Africa until the 2026 FIFA World Cup but that lifetime dedication to football has the finish line in sight.

South Africa are one of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations' unknown entities that have all the ingredients on paper but do not inspire confidence on the field.

The core of the squad had a strenuous second half of 2023 with Mamelodi Sundowns, and even Broos questions how much more fuel they have in their individual tanks.

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The Belgian has cut an increasingly weary figure, possibly fighting a feeling of not being able to prepare as anticipated.

When departing for Ivory Coast, Broos lamented the PSL's decision to play until the end of December, which allowed for only one preparation match.

Accepting the hand he has been dealt, Soccer Laduma quoted Broos, saying:

"I already know that if we fail, I will end up in the eye of the storm. I don't worry, with age I have developed an elephant's skin. This could well be my last job."

The 71-year-old has spoken of imparting his AFCON experience and has warned his players to be prepared for unrelenting physicality. FARPost reported the coach's observation from his 2017 winning campaign with Cameroon:

“All the teams are 500 per cent motivated. It’s like they play for their lives every game. There are very tough, intense games, and that experience for me was a big surprise."

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AFCON Group E Preview and Predictions

Sports Brief recently compiled a preview of AFCON's Group E featuring Mali, Tunisia, Namibia and South Africa.

Mali and Tunisia will be the toughest of the three group fixtures, but neighbours Namibia will be no pushover.

Collin Benjamin's players will be hungry to upset their more fancied cousins and have a host of PSL stars.