What Broos Told Zwane After Surprise Bafana U-Turn

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams says the squad have no issues with the unfiltered approach of head coach Hugo Broos citing incidents with Percy Tau and Themba Zwane.

Broos has ruffled plenty of feathers since his appointment as head coach from dropping key figures like Themba Zwane to questioning the standard of the Premier Soccer League but appears to be on the right track heading into the Africa Cup of Nations.

Captain Williams stated even the public criticism of players hasn’t affected them as it’s not something they are finding out in the media for the first time – he’s transparent in the way he communicates to the squad.

“We understand his reasoning, as professionals, we know what he is speaking about and you can ask Percy, he spoke about Percy but he had that discussion with Percy face to face as well,” Williams explained at the 10bet Bafana breakfast on Thursday.

“The things he says out there, he won’t just throw a player under the bus, he obviously discusses it with you and you know his reasoning for saying those things.

“When Themba Zwane came back into the team, he had him in the hotel for 10 minutes explaining why he left him out before and why he needed him now. That’s the type of guy he is – everyone thinks he’s harsh.

“It’s the total opposite, he wants the best for us and the best for the country, that’s why he’s honest. Most of the time he’s right but people try to cover it up. Him opening up shows the type of human being he is, he wants to see South Africa on top.”

Tau echoed the sentiments of the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper, stating Broos has never blindsided him and the period where he was not selected for the national team, there was a discussion around it.

“Most of the time I don’t see what people say about me, but yeah, sometimes you have to be honest with yourself that I’m coming from two injuries, I’m not feeling the same, I’m trying to run in the game and it’s not the same, not match fit,” Tau explained.

“At some point sat down with the coach and said I’m not match fit, I’m coming from injuries and I have to go to Zimbabwe, back and play these games, I don’t feel okay. And he said so what’s the plan then with you?

“I said I’ll go back to Al Ahly and work hard, but then I got injured again, so it was hard for me at the time, but I’m happy now and hopefully we’re over my injuries.”