Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has made his desire for AFCON glory abundantly clear, revealing his dream of replicating his 2017 triumph in Ivory Coast.
Speaking ahead of the AFCON 2023 opener, Broos candidly discussed the allure of winning the continental crown.
Bafana play Mali at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo, north of Ivory Coast, on Tuesday night at 10PM.
“You know when you’ve won it, once you win it, you want to win it twice,” Broos declared.
“It’s a fantastic feeling. I’ve said it before – I’m European but the intensity and the joy and everything around winning an AFCON is unique. It’s really unique.”
Broos, who steered Cameroon to AFCON victory in 2017, reminisced about the unforgettable experience.
“It was a fantastic experience six years ago and you can be sure that I dream of it. To do it the second time, saying is much easier than doing it. So let’s start tomorrow.”
HUGO BROOS TAKING THINGS ONE STEP AT A TIME AT AFCON
Bafana Bafana face a tough Group E containing Mali, Tunisia and neighbours Namibia. Nonetheless, the Belgian’s words suggest a steely determination to overcome adversity and challenge for the ultimate prize.
His emphasis on taking things one step at a time resonates with Bafana’s immediate focus on overcoming Mali in their opening encounter. A strong start would set the tone for the tournament and provide a vital injection of confidence for the group.
After Mali, Bafana will then face neighbours Namibia on Sunday before their last group match against Tunisia on Wednesday next week.
They will be hoping to progress beyond the group stages of the tournament as they look to challenge for the continental title.
