South Africa: Hugo Broos apologises after press conference outburst
Hugo Broos has apologised to South African journalists. The Bafana Bafana coach lost his cool on Friday.
Sport News Africa · Author profile ·
Listen to this story
Audio version in preparation · read aloud by your browser meanwhile
Hugo Broos was furious on Friday 24 March. His side, South Africa, hosted Liberia in the 3rd round of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a chance to edge closer to qualification. But they could only manage a draw. Beyond the result, it was the manner of it that upset the Belgian coach. South Africa led 2-0 after a brace from Lyle Foster (11th, pen, and 22nd) before being pegged back by Tisdell (68th) and, above all, Sangare (90+1). As it stands, Bafana Bafana are third in Group K with a single point, level with second-placed Liberia. Morocco (1st, 6 pts) have already qualified. Broos's anger was plain to see after the match.
The South Africa coach arrived late for the press conference, looking furious. However, he did not voice his frustration, at least not in words. Broos simply chose to leave the journalists waiting, without answering a single question. He left his assistant Helman Makhelele to handle things. But the media also refused to play along and decided to stop asking questions.
"I am a human being…"
On Saturday, Broos decided to break his silence. The 2017 African champion with Cameroon set his emotions aside to apologise. "I did not fulfil my media obligations and I want to apologise for that. But I am a human being and my emotions got the better of me yesterday. I know from experience that it is better to say nothing in the heat of the moment, and that is what I did. It was not right, but I think people can understand when you make that decision in such circumstances", he sighed to SAFA.net.
Read also: 2023 AFCON qualifiers: Hugo Broos lashes out at CAF
Broos then looked back at how the match unfolded. "When you watch the game, it was clear that we were the better team. It was clear that we had a lot of chances. But it was also clear that we missed a lot of chances, that in the last half hour we lost control of the game because, yes, Liberia were more powerful than us. And then, yes, in the 91st or 92nd minute, you concede a goal and lose the victory". His players will have the chance to bounce back on Tuesday 28 March in the return fixture in Liberia.