SEDIBENG.- Hugo Broos has achieved what many before him failed to do, proving his doubters wrong in spectacular fashion.

Zakes’ Sports Corner still maintains that, as a country, we owe the Bafana Bafana coach a sincere apology. When Hugo Broos first took over the national team, he was quickly labelled by critics as an arrogant “plumber” who knew nothing about football.

He faced heavy criticism from social media coaches

Today, the narrative is completely different.

Under his guidance, Bafana Bafana have qualified for back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations tournaments for the first time in many years. The veteran manager even put his career on the line by promising to do the honourable thing and resign if the team failed to qualify for the Fifa World Cup 2026.

Despite this immense pressure, he faced heavy criticism from social media coaches, self-proclaimed experts, and analysts following Bafana Bafana’s opening-match defeat against co-hosts Mexico.

It is a clear reminder that we are not a patient nation

The very same people who are now singing praises for the national team were predicting that South Africa would be heading home after their Thursday fixture against South Korea. It is a clear reminder that we are not a patient nation, often demanding instant results over long-term growth.

Zakes’ Sports Corner takes its hat off to Broos for his absolute professionalism.

He remained entirely unbothered by the criticism, even after the 2-0 loss to Mexico and a subsequent 1-1 draw against Czechia. While many fans were convinced there was no way back for the team ahead of the South Korea clash, Broos stayed the course.

They should apologise.

Those who refused to give the manager breathing room should now do the honourable thing and apologise for their lack of faith.

Bafana Bafana look ready to surprise many in this global tournament.

If their latest performance against South Korea is anything to go by, the national team has a genuine chance to progress beyond the round of 32.