By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has thrown his weight behind Hugo Broos to lead the Bafana Bafana to the World Cup.
This comes after Bafana Bafana failed to make it past the last 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Bafana Bafana made it to the last 16 as runners up to Egypt in their group. But they lost 2-1 to Cameroon in Rabat on Sunday, meaning they failed to match or better their showing at the previous AFCON.
Speaking at the team’s arrival back home at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, McKenzie said the national team’s recent improvement is down to the head coach.
“We did great, but we didn’t do our best. But you must understand, go back a few years, this Bafana Bafana, Hugo Broos has truly woken up Bafana Bafana,” said McKenzie.
He also expressed disappointment on Broos over comments about the ‘vibe’ at the AFCON.
Broos was asked for his thoughts on the atmosphere at the 35th edition of the tournament.
He said there was a lack of the ‘typical AFCON vibe’ and further criticised the logistical set up of the tournament.
“In the Ivory Coast and in Gabon, every second of the tournament you felt that you were in a tournament,” the Belgian said.
McKenzie revealed that he was ‘annoyed’ by Broos’ comments and issued an apology to Morocco.
“We were in the streets, we saw the vibes. So it was very wrong, and I want to apologise to the Moroccans on behalf, for these utterances (made by Hugo Broos). You don’t do that. You don’t insult people in front of the whole world, who have welcomed us with such open arms.
McKenzie confirmed that Broos will remain in charge until the end of the World Cup, after which a new coach is expected to be appointed. The FIFA World Cup is set to kick off in June 2026 and will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.