Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jabu Mahlangu has come out strongly in defence of national team head coach Hugo Broos following criticism that surfaced after South Africa’s exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The debate was sparked during analysis on iDiski TV, where Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi and Junior Khanye questioned Bafana Bafana’s performances under Broos.
Despite finishing second in their group behind Egypt, South Africa were unconvincing for large parts of the tournament and failed to progress beyond the Round of 16. Bafana were eliminated by Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions, who secured a 2–1 victory to advance, bringing South Africa’s AFCON campaign to an abrupt end.
Vilakazi and Khanye argued that Broos appeared out of ideas and suggested the Belgian coach should be replaced, with a new technical team preparing the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The global showpiece will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Mahlangu, however, believes such criticism lacks perspective and ignores the broader progress made under Broos since his appointment. “I hear that Tso Vilakazi says coach Broos must be fired,” Mahlangu told PlaySpot.
“It’s still early in the year, and I think Tso is still in December. He is a coach, and he has badges, but he is not coaching at all. Why is he not coaching so that we can see? He is so reckless with the way he speaks, and I think the current players will not respect him. Broos has done so much for Bafana, and sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose.”
Mahlangu stressed that Broos’ contribution should not be judged on one tournament or result alone. He argued that the coach has restored structure, planning, and belief within the national setup.
According to Mahlangu, Bafana Bafana now have a clearer identity and a broader selection pool than in previous cycles. With less than six months remaining before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mahlangu questioned the logic of making a coaching change at such a critical stage.
“Why would you fire a coach with only five months before the World Cup? What’s the new coach going to do in that short space of time?” the 45-year-old continued.
Mahlangu also highlighted the renewed relationship between the national team and its supporters. “It has been a long time since we lost because of this guy. Our dignity is back. The stadiums were empty before Hugo Broos, but the support is back, and the stadiums are full, even though it’s not a full house. However, the support is back, and it’s nice at the stadiums. You guys need to respect our coach; you don’t respect our head coach.”
He concluded by urging former players and analysts to show greater responsibility when critiquing those currently in charge.
“You have badges, but you are busy bashing other coaches. And you are not even coaching in the first division or lower leagues. I am defending South Africa and our head coach because we cannot ignore his record and his work. We now have a team and direction in our country,” Mahlangu concluded.
