Hugo Broos: Bafana Bafana Head Coach Almost Quit Job After 5-0 Thrashing by France in 2022

• Hugo Broos almost resigned from his role as Bafana Bafana manager in May 2022
• This was following the devastating 5-0 loss to World Champions France in a friendly
• The Belgian felt disheartened by the negative direction things seemed to be heading

In a candid revelation, South Africa's head coach, Hugo Broos, has disclosed his near departure from the Bafana Bafana job in 2022.

The Belgian coach took the national team's helm in May 2021, succeeding Molefi Ntseki.

Despite coming close to leading the team to the playoffs of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers shortly after his appointment, Broos found himself under intense scrutiny, particularly regarding his squad selections.

The criticism climaxed following a devastating 5-0 defeat to France in a friendly match in March 2022 and a 2-1 loss to Morocco in Rabata in July 2022 in the AFCON qualifiers.

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The coach has admitted that the setbacks pushed him to contemplate stepping down from his position. He felt disheartened by the negative direction everything seemed to be heading.

However, amidst the turmoil, the 71-year-old found solace in his inner conviction as a winner. Despite his assistant coach, Cedomir Janevski departing, Broos remained steadfast with Helman Mkhalele by his side.

“I thought about it because after the game against Morocco away, I went home for five weeks and spoke to my former assistant coach in Belgium," Broos said, as quoted by Times Live.

The tide began to turn when South Africa secured qualification for the AFCON and defeated the World Cup semi-finalists, Morocco.

Broos also stressed his desire to make a meaningful contribution to South African football, expressing confidence in the team's capabilities despite initial doubts. He highlighted the importance of fostering a positive relationship with the players as a cornerstone of success.

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How South Africa lost 5-0 to France

In a match played at the Stade Pierre Mauroy stadium, Lille, on March 29, 2022, Paris Saint-Germain's star forward, Kylian Mbappe, showcased his brilliance by scoring twice in Les Bleus' commanding 5-0 victory, as reported by the BBC.

AC Milan's Olivier Giroud also found the back of the net, with Monaco's striker, Wissam Ben Yedder, further solidifying France's lead with a fourth goal in the 81st minute. The 2018 world champions sealed the deal as Matteo Guendouzi elegantly curled the ball into the net from outside the box in the 92nd minute.

South Africa's hopes dwindled further when Khuliso Mudau received a straight red card, reducing them to ten men after a robust challenge on Lucas Digne.

Hugo Broos urged to stay on until 2026

Sports Brief reported that one of South Africa's stand-out defenders, Grant Kekana, urged Broos not to quit but to help them achieve a greater goal.

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Kekana did not play in South Africa's only regulation-time defeat at AFCON 2023 and was not on the field when their semi-final against Nigeria went to penalties.

The Mamelodi Sundowns defender received a straight red for a lunge on the edge of the box to deny Terem Moffi.