McKenzie backs Bafana coach; confirms player bonuses will be paid despite early Afcon exit

SPORTS, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has thrown his weight behind Bafana Bafana following their disappointing run at AFCON, saying coach Hugo Broos and his team must still be acknowledged for the strides they have made.

A dejected Bafana team landed back at OR Tambo International Airport Wednesday morning after their last-16 exit at the ongoing showpiece in Morocco. They were welcomed by McKenzie, who was draped in a South African flag, and a handful of supporters whose round of applause tried to wipe off the disappointment that was written all over their faces as they exited the arrival terminal.

As a result of their eventual failure, some angry Bafana supporters called for Broos' head, and not allow him to lead the team at this year's Fifa World Cup in North America. Those critics argued that Broos’ tactics are no longer working for Bafana.

While McKenzie initially expressed his annoyance at Broos for saying AFCON lacked a “vibe”, which he said came across as an insult to the host nation, he backed the coach to continue in his role until the global showpiece after earning his stripes over the years.

“Hugo Broos is going nowhere, and I want to make that clear. Hugo Broos is absolutely going nowhere. Hugo Broos is going to Mexico — that’s where Hugo Broos is going,” McKenzie said.

“We can’t have this mentality where people are just going, going, going.”

McKenzie added that the players must also be duly rewarded. This comes after rumours that, before the start of the tournament, the team was involved in a bonus dispute with SAFA after qualifying for AFCON.

“I can tell you that I’ll show no mercy when it comes to players not getting their bonuses,” McKenzie warned.

“I’ve personally sent money from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to SAFA, which must be shared among the players. I hope the players receive that money because rugby and cricket players do receive theirs. We must move past the stage where players complain about bonuses. We are not like other countries. I will meet with them (SAFA) today to find out if there’s any unhappiness, and if there is, it will be sorted out before the end of the week.”

McKenzie also said plans were already under way to ensure that Bafana and their supporters can travel seamlessly to the World Cup, especially to Mexico, where the team will be based for the group stage.

“On the 18th of this month, I am meeting with one of the mayors of the top cities in Mexico. I want to make the fan experience for South Africans very easy. I also want to make sure that visas won’t be an issue because we’ve got games in Atlanta. People have genuine fears, so we want to allay them and ensure that the fan experience is our top priority.”

Bafana will face Mexico in the opening game of the World Cup at Estadio Azteca on 11 June — a repeat of the 2010 match on home soil.

Cape Times