Fadlu Davids: Hugo Broos stuck to his guns, now Bafana can dream

Speaking to the South African Football Journalists’ Association this week, Davids argued that the national team is now benefitting from the Belgian mentor’s long-term planning since his appointment in May 2021. 

He believes that foundation gives Bafana a genuine shot at the AFCON title this month. 

"Of course, we want Bafana to win it this time – and my second team, of course, is Morocco, so Bafana vs Morocco in the final will be a fantastic for my sitiation," Davids joked.

"Of course you have to give huge credit to the coach Hugo Broos, since he's come, against public opinion he stuck to his vision, his plan and hius structure of how he wants to do things, and he's turned around the fortunes of our country and our football.

"Yes, a lot of that has to do with and in relation to Motsepe's vision of building Sundowns to the point of dominating Africa and building to a point of many years in the Champions League quarterfinals, semifinals and finals.

"And that gives the players of Sundowns the experience of playing here on the African continent and it helps Bafana Bafana.

"And then Pirates' recent production of young talents that are coming through, and Broos was always very clear about not picking players over the age of 30 – he made one exception with Themba Zwane after a lot of pressure.

"But you can only admire the coach for his vision and how he's built the team so far."

READ: Looking back at Bafana's best moments at AFCON 2023

The Raja coach was naturally asked about attacker Thembinkosi Lorch, who plays for rivals Wydad Casablanca – and the pair have worked together at Orlando Pirates before.  

"Wydad are a team currently a little bit more direct in their approach, they play with a 6'4" striker [Hamza] Hannouri, so slightly more direct with a lot of crosses and long balls and setpieces," explained Davids.

"But the signings of Lorch and Aziz Ki – these players are making Wydad more interesing to watch because he's been absolutely amazing – at every attack, Lorch is at the centre of it, so a lot of their team and attacks are going through Lorch.

"We know he's the type of player that can win a match for you with one action, and he's not only a player that can play between the lines, but one that uses the spaces behind the defence line as well.

"So he gives their team so much, in terms of creativity and flare, and what they were probably lacking in their approach or playing style, so he's been absolutely amazing."