Bafana Bafana are riding the wave of one of their most consistent runs in modern history, and at the heart of their remarkable turnaround stands Belgian tactician Hugo Broos, who took charge of the national team in 2021.
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Since Broos’ appointment, South Africa have slowly but steadily rebuilt their identity. The results are now impossible to ignore: 20 matches unbeaten and only five defeats in 44 matches over the past four years.
Their last defeat came at the Africa Cup of Nations in January 2024, a 2-0 group stage loss to Mali. Since that moment, Bafana Bafana have refused to look back, embarking on an unbeaten run that has brought both pride and belief back to the national team setup.
Broos, who led Cameroon to an AFCON title in 2017, has instilled a winning mentality within the squad. But perhaps even more crucially, he has shown a clear commitment to youth, placing his faith in a new generation of players and allowing them to grow on the international stage. The emergence of young talent has brought fresh energy and dynamism, and that trust has been repaid with consistent performances and results.
Under Broos, South Africa not only impressed with their results but also made history — claiming the bronze medal at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. It was the country’s first continental podium finish since 2000 and a powerful signal that Bafana are no longer outsiders but serious competitors in African football.
Now, all eyes turn to the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Broos has his side well positioned to potentially qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which would mark South Africa’s first qualification since 2002.
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