Broos reveals pre-camp hotel chaos ahead of Zambia friendly

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos disclosed an unexpected logistical nightmare that threatened to derail the national team’s preparations for the upcoming friendly against Zambia.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the Belgian mentor revealed that a last-minute hotel cancellation had severely disrupted the team’s plans, forcing a frantic search for new accommodation and training grounds just 48 hours before the players were due to assemble.

The unexpected hurdle comes as South Africa prepares to host 2012 AFCON champions Zambia this Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Gqeberha, a fixture critical to the team’s preparation for next month’s AFCON finals in Morocco.

Broos Explains The Severity Of The Bafana Situation

“The reason we are here today [at this new hotel] is that on Saturday morning, we got a message from the hotel where we usually go that the booking was cancelled. Yes. Very nice news. Two days before the camp,” Broos said, attributing the issue to an alleged overbooking.

The sudden shift meant the technical team had to abandon their initial plans near the usual training grounds at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto. Fortunately, they secured an alternative facility.

“I want to thank the people of Ellis Park for the availability of the stadium. So, we train until Thursday there. I know that the pitch is very good there, so I’m very happy. But yes, it was a little bit annoying and a moment of being nervous.”

Victory Essential for Ranking

Despite the pre-camp drama, Broos has issued a strong warning to his players ahead of the clash with Chipolopolo, stressing that the match is more than just a preparation exercise.

“We are here now in preparation for the game on Saturday, a friendly game. But for me, friendly games don’t exist. Every game, we have to be focused and concentrated and try to win that game. And it will not be different for this game. I want to win on Saturday.”

Broos confirmed this commitment to victory was the driving force behind his decision to include players from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, reversing an initial plan to rest them due to demanding club schedules. He highlighted the impact a win would have on Bafana’s standing.

“Why I want to win is because it’s important for our ranking. We want to stay certainly in the first 10 and even go to nine again. And I think the defeat of Lesotho makes us go down to nine or 10 now.”