Bafana boss warns of major changes after AFCON exit

The honeymoon period for South Africa’s bronze-medal heroes has officially ended, replaced by the cold reality of a looming squad purge after the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

A stone-faced Hugo Broos has delivered a chilling verdict on the future of his Bafana Bafana personnel, explaining that a “detailed evaluation” will now dictate who survives the cull following their underwhelming Round of 16 exit.

Speaking in the wake of a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in the Last 16 at AFCON—a match that exposed the fatal cracks in his tactical experimentation—the Belgian mentor shared his thoughts on a necessary “shake-up,” warning that sentiment will no longer secure a place in the team with the 2026 FIFA World Cup just six months away.

A Tactical Gamble Gone Sour At AFCON

The post-mortem of Sunday’s defeat will undoubtedly centre on Broos’ decision to overhaul a winning formula. By dropping Aubrey Modiba for Norway-based Samukele Kabini, Broos inadvertently strangled Bafana’s attacking rhythm.

While the new-look shape initially facilitated dangerous counter-attacks—most notably squandered by Lyle Foster and a devastated Relebohile Mofokeng—it lacked the sustained offensive grit required to unsettle the Indomitable Lions. When grilled on the logic behind these high-risk changes for a do-or-die knockout clash, Broos was uncharacteristically defensive.

“I will not give a comment on [the starting XI],” Broos remarked curtly, explaining his refusal to engage in emotional post-match debates. “It’s not strange that when players are replaced, some are not happy. I am not going to make declarations through emotions or frustration.”

The Road to the World Cup: No One is Safe

Despite his reluctance to dissect individual errors, Broos was vocal about the bigger picture. Having arrived in Morocco as favourites, Bafana’s stuttering form has left the coach questioning the current trajectory of his project.

Sharing his thoughts on the road to the USA, Mexico, and Canada, Broos hinted that the Moroccan heartbreak has provided a much-needed wake-up call. The “detailed evaluation” he promised isn’t just a review of the game, but a survival test for the players.

“We will see what we need to change and what not to change because in six months there is the World Cup, and we need to be ready for that,” the coach warned.

The AFCON Verdict: A Purge in Progress

The verdict from the Agdal Medina Stadium is clear: the grace period afforded by the 2023 AFCON success has expired. By dodging specific questions about player performances while simultaneously promising a ruthless review, Broos has left the door wide open for high-profile casualties.

As the plane touches down in South Africa, several established stars may find themselves on the periphery, as the coach looks to eradicate the inconsistency that turned their Moroccan dream into a nightmare.