Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has urged South Africa to undertake a improvement mannequin just like Nigeria’s, insisting it’s key to competing extra successfully on the highest stage of African soccer following their AFCON 2025 marketing campaign.
The Belgian tactician admitted that South Africa entered the match at a drawback, significantly when put next with main nations whose squads are largely made up of Europe-based gamers.
Based on Broos, international locations like Nigeria profit immensely from having the vast majority of their gamers competing weekly in prime European leagues, the place they’re uncovered to increased depth, superior tactical calls for, and stronger competitors.
He famous that such publicity performs a significant function in getting ready gamers bodily and mentally for main tournaments just like the Africa Cup of Nations, giving them an edge when going through Africa’s elite sides.
Broos pressured that for Bafana Bafana to constantly problem for honours on the continental stage, there have to be a deliberate and structured effort to create extra pathways for regionally primarily based gamers to safe strikes to Europe.
He defined that common involvement in elite leagues would assist South African gamers sharpen their expertise, enhance decision-making beneath strain, and develop the aggressive mentality required at top-level tournaments.
The Tremendous Eagles of Nigeria, whose squad is predominantly Europe-based, have been cited as a transparent instance of how sustained publicity to top-flight soccer can translate into stronger and extra constant performances at AFCON.
Broos concluded that emulating Nigeria’s participant improvement pathway may very well be a decisive step in repositioning South Africa as a significant drive in African soccer going ahead.
