Bongani Khumalo heaps praise on Hugo Broos, Bafana ahead of Afcon squad announcement
Ahead of their Afcon squad announcement, Bongani Khumalo (pictured) praised Bafana Bafana and coach Hugo Broos for their achievements, highlighting the significance of their World Cup qualification as a pivotal moment for South African football development. Picture: Michael Sherman
Image: Michael Sherman
As Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos prepares to name his final 23-man squad on Monday for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), former South African skipper Bongani Khumalo has heaped praise on the team for their achievements this year.
Bafana qualified for the Fifa World Cup for the first time since the 2002 edition (they did not have to qualify as hosts in 2010), and it just proves to be a watershed moment in South African football according to Khumalo.
Playing on the biggest stage will have a snowball effect for the development of football in SA.
With the Afcon around the corner, set to begin on December 21 in Morocco, the 38-year-old took a moment to reflect on the strides made by Bafana under coach Hugo Broos.
Khumalo Emphasises Importance of World Cup Qualification for South Africa
“It's vitally important; we needed that [qualification for the World Cup], we were desperate for that,” Khumalo told IOL in an exclusive interview.
“Not just for us, the supporters, retired footballers, but for the kids. It's important to keep that inspiration going in terms of just keeping the national team attractive, keeping it competitive, because it is your country and that should be the highest privilege as a sportsman.
“And what Hugo Broos has done in the boys, they've revived that passion, that interest, the love for the national team once again. And we support them fully, regardless of the outcome; we've made it, we're there.
"And I just want to wish every player all the best of luck. It's a great platform for the individual; you'd be in the shop window. But more importantly, this is a chance for you to become part of a huge part of our South African history, football history that is very important.”