Hugo Broos, the coach of Bafana Bafana, has apologised for his behaviour after his team drew 2-2 with Liberia in a crucial AFCON qualifier on Friday. Despite leading by 2-0 at half-time and cruising, Bafana Bafana conceded gilt-edged opportunities to end the game, which only encouraged their visitors, who drew level through substitute Tisdell Tonia and Mohammed Sangare’s late strike.
Following the equaliser, Broos was seen stomping off the pitch. He then ignored the media, sending out assistant Helman Mkhalele for the post-game interviews and press conference.
On Saturday, Broos released a statement via the SAFA website. He said it was a combination of factors that led to his emotions getting the better of him.
“It was everything. When you see the game, it was clear that we were the better team. It was clear that we had a lot of chances. But it was also clear that we missed a lot of chances that, in the last half an hour we lost control over the game because yeah, Liberia was more powerful than we were,” he said.
“And then yeah, in the 91st minute or 92nd minute you get a goal where you lose the victory. And that, yeah, that left me with a lot of emotions and I left at 2-2, went immediately to the dressing room. I did not fulfill my media obligations and I want to apologize for that. But I am a human being and the emotions took control over me yesterday. I know from experience that it is better not to say anything in the heat of the moment and that’s what I did. It was not right, but I think that people can understand in such circumstances when you are taking that decision.”
Broos also dismissed suggestions that he ever considered quitting Bafana Bafana and heading back home to his native Belgium.