South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has praised the remarkable transformation in his team’s mentality following their elimination from the ongoing FIFA World Cup, where they bowed out in the Round of 32 after a defeat to co-hosts Canada.
While the result marked the end of Bafana Bafana’s campaign, Broos chose to reflect on the broader progress made within the squad since he took charge five years ago, highlighting a significant cultural shift as a cornerstone of their recent competitiveness.
“I think the mentality of the team has changed a lot,” Broos said. “I came here five years ago, and after my first training session with the national team, I couldn’t believe my eyes.”
The Belgian tactician did not hold back in recalling the early challenges he encountered, pointing to a lack of professionalism and urgency among the players when he first arrived.
“Their mentality was not good. I had to stop training sessions and tell them, ‘Hey, guys, this is your job. You have to work. You did not come here to the national team to have a few days off, and then you go back to your clubs.’”
Since then, Broos has overseen a steady evolution, with discipline and commitment becoming defining traits of the team. He believes that this renewed mindset has been central to South Africa’s growth on the international stage.
“So I think that certainly if there is something changing in the national team, it’s the mentality. You certainly need that mentality to succeed,” he added.
Despite the disappointment of their exit, Broos singled out his players’ fighting spirit in the clash against Canada as evidence of how far the team has come.
“The mentality was there against Canada; they even wanted to die on the field, and this is something that has to stay in this team.”
Although their World Cup journey has ended, Broos’ reflections suggest a team that has rediscovered its identity, with a hardened mentality that could serve as a foundation for future success.
