CAF reply to Hugo Broos’ claim around AFCON logistics

Speaking ahead of Bafana’s round of 16 Africa Cup of Nations clash against Cameroon at the Al Medina Stadium on Sunday night, the Belgian coach voiced his frustration at having to contend with heavy traffic during a crucial phase of tournament preparation.

“I can’t believe that CAF allowed this – our hotel is 45 minutes from the training ground and it is inside the camp of our next opponent [should Bafana progress],” Broos said.

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In a written response to SABC Sport, CAF head of television and communications Luxolo September offered the continental body’s version of events, pushing back against the suggestion that the issue had been imposed on South Africa without consultation.

“I can confirm that the team base camp information was released about five months ago, and the onus was on each team or its team manager to assess and provide feedback,” September explained.

“A week or two ago, the logistics for the round of 16 were also shared for teams to review and comment on. I am yet to receive any feedback from South Africa.”

Bafana were initially based in Marrakesh during the group stage, where they spent close to two weeks at the Four Seasons Hotel while competing in Group B against Angola, Egypt and Zimbabwe.

They relocated to Rabat after qualifying for the knockout phase.

Broos has since insisted he is not making excuses but felt compelled to highlight what he described as an unnecessary inconvenience that has reduced training time and potentially exposed his side to opposition surveillance.