AFCON – Cameroon coach David Pagou: I haven’t reached Hugo Broos’ level yet

Cameroon head coach David Pagou has admitted that he has not yet reached the level of South Africa coach Hugo Broos, ahead of their Round of 16 clash at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

Cameroon are set to face South Africa on Sunday in the knockout stage of the tournament, as the Indomitable Lions aim to progress to the quarter-finals.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Pagou said:
“My feeling is that of a coach preparing for a decisive match against a very strong team. Our morale is high, and we are ready to challenge a great opponent.”

Pagou praised Broos’ career, adding:
“Hugo Broos is a great coach. He won the AFCON with Cameroon in 2017. I remember attending a coaching course where he explained his ideas, and I believed in his abilities. He has had a career worthy of admiration. For us, it goes beyond motivation — what I want from my players is maximum focus.”

The Cameroon coach stressed that he does not feel any pressure going into the match:
“Hugo Broos is a role model for me. We are building a team step by step with these players. They are committed, and we will show that we can compete with big teams. We did not expect this level of performance, but we will keep improving and stay fully focused.”

Pagou also provided updates on his squad’s fitness:
“Our physical condition is very good. We will train this evening and assess the situations of injured players such as Baleba and Bassogog. There are positive signs.”

Reflecting on his coaching philosophy, Pagou said:
“I am committed and disciplined, which is what I try to pass on to the players so they can express that during matches — football does not like chaos. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I believe we are on the right path because we are applying what we believe is right.”

Cameroon coach praised South Africa team:
“They are a good team, they know each other well, and they can play in different systems. We are still building our team, but this match will be a great motivation for us, and we will try to trouble them as much as possible.”

Pagou concluded by showing humility toward his counterpart:
“Do not put me at the same level as Hugo Broos. I have not reached that level yet. I am still at the beginning of my journey. Football is a collective game, and any player can help us win.”

Cameroon qualified for the Round of 16 after finishing second in their group, which included Ivory Coast, Mozambique, and Gabon.

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