Hugo Broos has revived the passion in Bafana - Bongani Khumalo
Hugo Broos has reignited passion in Bafana Bafana as they enter the Africa Cup of Nations as dark horses, facing tough competition in Group B against Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe, with former captain Bongani Khumalo urging South Africans to support the team. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Even if optimism is not at an all-time high with Bafana Bafana, it must be pretty close as they head into the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) as one of the dark horses for the title.
Bafana finished third at the previous staging of the tournament, and are also now fresh off their qualification for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since the 2002 edition.
The tournament in Morocco begins on Sunday and runs until January 18. Bafana will have to navigate a tricky group B with African heavyweights Egypt as well as Angola and Zimbabwe. Egypt are ranked third in Africa, Bafana are 11th on the continent, while Angola are 18th and Zimbabwe are 36th.
Former Bafana skipper Bongani Khumalo called for all South Africans to get behind the national team at Afcon.
Bafana Bafana’s Afcon Journey: Reviving Passion and Facing Football Giants
“What Hugo Broos has done in the boys, they’ve revived that passion, that interest, the love for the national team once again. And we support them fully, regardless of the outcome,” Khumalo told IOL.
“And I just want to wish every player all the best of luck. It’s a great platform for the individual; you’d be in the shop window. But more importantly, this is a chance for you to become part of a huge part of our South African history, football history that is very important.”
Bafana open their Afcon campaign in Morocco against Angola on December 22, and on Boxing Day, they will take on the mighty Egypt led by Mohamed Salah.