‘Social media is trash’: Broos fires back at Sibisi critics

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has launched a scathing attack on social media critics, labelling the backlash against defender Nkosinathi Sibisi as “ridiculous” and “trash.”

The Orlando Pirates skipper has been at the centre of a digital storm following his missed penalty in the Buccaneers’ shock 5-4 shootout exit to Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 in February. The defeat, which followed 120 gruelling minutes of scoreless football, sparked a wave of online scrutiny and rumours regarding Sibisi’s physical fitness.

While Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou recently dismissed claims that the defender is carrying an injury, Broos has now stepped in to provide an international shield for the 28-year-old.

‘YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT FOOTBALL’ – BROOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA FANS

Broos, never one to mince his words, didn’t hold back when addressing the media ahead of Bafana’s upcoming friendlies against Panama. The Belgian tactician questioned the football intelligence of those leading the online attacks.

“Being under pressure because you missed a penalty is the most ridiculous thing you can imagine,” a blunt Broos stated. “He took his responsibility as the captain of Pirates to take the penalty. Okay, he missed it. He is not the first player to miss a penalty.”

The AFCON-winning coach drew comparisons to Bafana’s historic 2023 shootout win over Cape Verde to highlight the unpredictable nature of spot-kicks.

“Cape Verde missed five times against us. So, it was really ridiculous, and that shows again that social media is trash—it’s just trash. When you put someone under pressure and criticise him because he missed a penalty, then you don’t know anything about football.”

WORLD CUP PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY

Despite the domestic noise, Sibisi remains a core component of Broos’ final 23-man squad. Bafana Bafana are ramping up their preparations for the FIFA World Cup with two high-profile friendlies against Panama.

The first encounter is set for the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on March 27, with the squad traveling to Cape Town for a second clash at the DHL Stadium on March 31.

By retaining Sibisi, Broos has sent a clear message: online sentiment will not dictate his team selection as South Africa looks to build momentum on the road to the global showpiece