Broos plots meticulous AFCON preparations as Fifa World Cup 2026 draw looms
Africa Cup of Nations
Hugo Broos is focused on AFCON preparations, balancing PSL scheduling conflicts and a friendly against Zambia as Bafana Bafana gear up for Morocco. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
As the football world eagerly awaits the historic Fifa World Cup 2026 draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington in December, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is focused on a different mission at home.
At a recent roundtable discussion hosted by Safa, Broos shared insights into his preparations for Africa Cup of Nations, which begins in December.
After a commendable third-place finish in the previous edition held in the Ivory Coast, expectations among fans and stakeholders are undeniably high. Broos acknowledged that the pressure to perform well means meticulous preparation has never been more critical.
As he gears up for this high-stakes tournament, Broos revealed plans to commence training on December 8 at the University of Pretoria. The team will remain there until December 17, just ahead of their opening match in Morocco.
Broos also mentioned plans for a friendly match against Zambia on Friday, November 14, before departing for the tournament.
Interestingly, Broos expressed some frustration over the PSL's scheduling conflicts, particularly regarding the Carling Cup final on December 6. He indicated that, had things gone as he hoped, he would have had more time to work with his players.
“Again, I hoped to start a little bit earlier,” Broos stated.
“For the second time, the PSL didn’t want to collaborate because of the Carling Cup final. But I am delighted that Chiefs and Sundowns are already out.”
Most of the squad will likely be drawn from Sundowns and Orlando Pirates players. The coach is eager to announce his squad shortly before AFCON preparations begin, though he has a busy travel schedule ahead.
Following the World Cup draw in Washington on December 5, Broos will return to South Africa on the 7th before immediately beginning preparations with his team the following day.
Pitted against some of Africa’s football heavyweights, Bafana Bafana will face stiff competition in Group B, playing against Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe. As expectations rise, fans maintain a cautious optimism, buoyed by the team’s recent performances.
In a landscape full of unpredictability, Broos remains focused and determined. As he meticulously plans Bafana Bafana’s path forward, the spirit of unity and ambition remains central, aiming for a victorious return to the AFCON stage.