Why Mokoena ‘Mbazo’ feels Hugo Broos is misunderstood

Former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena says South Africans need to understand where head coach Hugo Broos is coming from in terms of his criticism of the SA football Association (SAFA).

Mokoena was responding to a question on what he makes of Broos’ public outburst, including labelling his bosses at the SA football mother body as ‘unprofessional’.

The 70-year-old hasn’t shied away from voicing his displeasure since taking over as head coach in May 2021.

But Mokoena, who spent five seasons playing in the Belgian league for Germinal Beerschot as well as KRC Genk, says Broos comes from an aggressive culture where they speak their views.

MOKOENA ON BROOS

“We just need to understand that Hugo Broos is Belgian. Dutch/Belgian people are aggressive and at times it’s all about trying to understand what culture they come from,” said Mokoena.

“Some statements that he has made for me make sense. We need to prepare for the future but the most important thing is to qualify (for the Africa Cup of Nations) currently.

“I know that when it comes to Andile Jali for instance. Andile Jali played in Belgium and he played under his nose.

“That’s why he felt that as he is the current coach for Bafana Bafana, he doesn’t need Andile Jali because he saw him playing in Belgium and he didn’t do well,” he said.

“He is our Bafana coach and we just need to support him. But again, it’s important for people like us to come closer to these players to make them understand how important it is to wear the national team colours.”

South Africa will take on Botswana in an international friendly match at FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening. kick-off for the match is at 18:00.

The match follows a 4-0 win against Sierra Leone at the same venue on Saturday.

Broos will also get an opportunity to play more matches during the November-December Fifa International break ahead of the Afcon qualifiers next year.