Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has apologised to the nation and the media after the events that unfolded at Orlando Stadium on Friday evening.
Broos stormed to the dressing room straight after Mohamed Sangare’s late thunderbolt that stole a point for Liberia in their dramatic comeback to draw 2-2.
Helman Mkhalele did the post-match television duties before journalists refused to allow the Bafana legend to stand in for Broos’ after the shock turn of events.
The 2017 AFCON winning coach eventually came out to state that he was not in the right frame of mind to take questions as he was afraid his emotions would overcome him and do more harm than good over the situation they find themselves in.
“It was everything. When you see the game, it was clear that we were the better team. It was clear that we had a lot of chances. But it was also clear that we missed a lot of chances that, in the last half an hour we lost control over the game because yeah, Liberia was more powerful than we were,” he said, as per SAFA media.
“And then yeah, in the 91st minute or 92nd minute, you get a goal where you lose the victory. And that, yeah, that left me with a lot of emotions and I left at 2-2, went immediately to the dressing room. I did not fulfill my media obligations and I want to apologize for that.
“But I am a human being and the emotions took control over me yesterday. I know from experience that it is better not to say anything in the heat of the moment and that’s what I did. It was not right, but I think that people can understand in such circumstances when you are taking that decision.”
South Africa need to beat the Lone Stars in Monrovia, where they will host a home game for the first time in three years, which their head coach Ansu Keita has stated will be where they secure their place for the continental showpiece.
But Broos feels confident his players, albeit having disappointed with the draw in South Africa, can rise above the adversity.
“So I think the most important thing now is that the players know I still believe in them, I still believe in them. They must not believe that because I was frustrated, angry and disappointed yesterday I don’t believe in the team,” he continued.
“I believe in the team because I built it. I know we have good players, and I know this team is able to qualify for the Afcon. So I think that’s what they’re waiting for now, to see a coach who still believes in them.
“Then we will prepare for that difficult game in Monrovia on Tuesday, and I hope we will not make the same mistakes in that game because it was very, very, very clear that we are the better team. So if we can yes, refill the batteries again for Tuesday, not just physically, but also mentally, then we have to come back with a positive result. I am sure of it.”
