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Hugo Broos Leaves Bafana Bafana Coaching Role

Broos Departs After Failing to Qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

Hugo Broos has stepped down as coach of the South Africa national soccer team, Bafana Bafana, after failing to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. His departure comes after a disappointing campaign that saw Bafana Bafana finish bottom of their qualifying group, behind Morocco, Liberia, and Zimbabwe.

Broos was appointed as Bafana Bafana coach in May 2021, replacing Molefi Ntseki. He had previously coached the Cameroon national team, leading them to victory at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. However, he was unable to replicate that success with Bafana Bafana, and his reign was marked by inconsistent performances and a lack of attacking flair.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has not yet announced a replacement for Broos, but it is expected that they will begin their search for a new coach immediately. Bafana Bafana's next assignment is a friendly match against Zambia in September, followed by the start of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in March 2023.

Broos's Legacy

Broos's departure marks the end of a disappointing era for Bafana Bafana. The team has now failed to qualify for the last three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, and their FIFA ranking has plummeted to 75th.

Broos's critics argue that he was too defensive and that his tactics stifled Bafana Bafana's attacking players. They also point to his poor record in competitive matches, with Bafana Bafana winning just four of the 12 matches they played under his leadership.

However, Broos's supporters argue that he inherited a team in decline and that he did not have the time to implement his ideas fully. They also point to the fact that Bafana Bafana were unlucky not to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, having lost their final qualifying match 2-1 to Morocco.

The Future of Bafana Bafana

It remains to be seen who will replace Broos as Bafana Bafana coach, but the SAFA will be under pressure to appoint someone who can revive the team's fortunes.

The new coach will have a tough task on their hands, as Bafana Bafana have a number of problems that need to be addressed. The team lacks quality in key positions, and they have struggled to score goals in recent matches.

The new coach will also need to find a way to improve Bafana Bafana's defensive record. The team has conceded too many goals in recent matches, and they have struggled to keep clean sheets.

It will take time for the new coach to implement their ideas and turn Bafana Bafana into a competitive force again. However, the SAFA will be hoping that the new coach can lead the team to success at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and beyond.