Tapelo Xoki: Bafana Bafana Defender Details Dressing Room Reaction After Hugo Broos Reassurance

Tapelo Xoki: Bafana Bafana Defender Details Dressing Room Reaction After Hugo Broos Reassurance

Robert Abong'o
updated at March 29, 2024 at 3:49 PM
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  • There has been a lot of speculation about Hugo Broos' future in South Africa
  • Tapelo Xoki has detailed how Bafana players reacted after the coach's word
  • The Tunisia FA reportedly wanted to sign the Belgian as Jalal Kadri's successor

Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, recently ended swirling rumours about his potential departure from the team.

This provided a much-needed boost to morale among players, according to Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki.

Speculation regarding Broos' future was rife, particularly following their impressive performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Tapelo Xoki (right), says the Hugo Broos staying was a much-needed boost for Bafana players. Photo: Phill Magakoe.
Orlando Pirates defender, Tapelo Xoki (right), says the Bafana dressing room was relieved to hear Hugo Broos was staying. Photo: Phill Magakoe.
Source: Getty Images

Xoki, a key figure in the team's setup, explained the relief the Belgian's reaffirmation of commitment brought, stressing its positive impact on team unity. He highlighted the importance of stability within the squad, especially for newer players looking to integrate seamlessly into the team.

“It was huge for the dressing room to make sure that we stay stable, you saw the reactions from the guys, I think this group has been together for some time and you can see the bond. Once you have a coach who also leads that, it’s important that he clears up everything," Xoki said as quoted by iDiski Times.

Despite ongoing whispers linking him to other coaching opportunities, the 71-year-old clarified that he intends to honour his contract, which extends until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Reports emerging from Tunisia suggested the tactician was being eyed as a potential successor to Jalal Kadri. They claimed Broos had already agreed to join the Carthage Eagles at the end of his current deal with the South African Football Association (SAFA).

Tunisia, currently under interim coach Montasser Louhichi, are actively seeking a permanent manager.

As reported by FIFA, South Africa is gearing up to face the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Zimbabwe in the tournament's qualifiers, scheduled for June.

Broos fires warning to Super Eagles

Sports Brief reported that Broos sent a note of warning to the Super Eagles ahead of their World Cup qualifiers.

Bafana have failed to qualify for football’s biggest international competition since hosting the tournament in 2010.

Nigeria will host South Africa on June 3 when the qualifiers resume.

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