Belgian tactician Hugo Broos described it as a fantastic experience after becoming the first coach to guide South Africa to the FIFA World Cup knockout phase.
Following Bafana Bafana’s 1-0 victory over South Korea in Mexico, the 74-year-old praised his team’s tactical discipline, chance creation and strong performance that kept the opponents from finding spaces.
Broos highlighted the special five-year journey with the squad, saying the deep connection has turned the group into friends, and urged everyone to simply enjoy this historic moment.
“It is difficult to explain what this feels like. It is a fantastic experience. We played really well and created chances,” Broos said.
“Tactically we did really well and Korea Republic couldn’t find the spaces that they wanted. We scored the goal and then it was 20 minutes with a very high heart rate. What we did in the last five years is amazing.
“When you work together for such a long time there is a connection and it is more than a relationship between coach and players, we have become friends. We just have to enjoy this.”
Bafana will face Canada in the Round of 32 knockout stage on Sunday 28 June 2026 at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
