WATCH: Hugo Broos brought to his knees, defies haters

When Bafana Bafana slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Mexico in their opening game of the World Cup, which included conceding two red cards, there was understandable criticism aimed at the team and especially coach Hugo Broos.

Yet, in typically defiant South African style, Bafana Bafana bounced back to secure a crucial draw against Czechia before securing a historic victory over South Korea to qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time in the nation’s history.

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After the opening game, Broos had come under particular criticism for starting the match with at least seven defensive-minded players, with pundits and social media critics arguing this set up completely stifled South Africa’s usual fluid style of play.

Yet, ahead of the team’s second match, Broos firmly shut down his critics during a press conference in Atlanta, making it clear he would not alter his philosophy for outside voices.

“You know I’ve coached for 40 years, and I know there’s a side of this job where you are criticised. For the moment, I’m criticised, but people must know, and for those who don’t know it, I will still do it my way. ^{And I never listen to the trash on social media. I never listen to people who think they are sometimes important and have to criticise the team. When I see what they did before, I think it’s better that they shut up.”}

In the end, Broos and Bafana Bafana walked the talk, and after the remarkable victory over South Korea, the normally stoic coach could be seen slumping to his knees and then burying his head in the turf as pure emotion and relief overwhelmed him.

HUGO BROOS AND BAFANA BAFANA HAVE DEFIED THE HATERS