'They Have Big Mouths' - Hugo Broos Fires Back at Bafana Bafana Critics After AFCON 2025 Elimination

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has responded to criticism he faced after South Africa exited the recent Africa Cup of Nations.

In a recent exclusive interview with iDiski Times, the Belgian tactician discussed a range of topics, including his contract, salary, and future with the South African national team.

Hugo Broos has firmly addressed the backlash he received for his tactical decisions during South Africa's AFCON campaign, particularly in the Round of 16 loss to Cameroon.

Bafana Bafana's journey in the tournament ended after the defeat to the Indomitable Lions. Critics argued that Broos's defensive 3-4-3 formation was too cautious and that he failed to make attacking adjustments after conceding.

However, the coach remains unfazed by public opinion, stating that he ignores social media and that criticism is inevitable after a loss, regardless of previous successes.

"First of all, I don’t want to make comments on that [formation for the Cameroon match]," Hugo Broos stated upon his return to South Africa. "Secondly, I don’t read social media because it’s all trash what is on social media."

"I have the experience of 40 years that whenever everything is good, all those guys shut up, but if there’s a defeat, they have big mouths," he continued.

"So, they have a big mouth now, and I can manage that. Whatever they say, whatever they think I had to do, players I have to call... I have had four years here not listening to that. And I will not listen in the last six months either."

Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana successfully navigated Group B of the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco, finishing as runners-up with six points.

The team opened their campaign on December 22 with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Angola, followed by a narrow 1–0 defeat to Egypt on Boxing Day.

They secured their progression to the knockout stages on December 29 after a thrilling 3–2 win against regional rivals Zimbabwe, featuring a decisive late penalty from Oswin Appollis, before exiting the tournament in the Round of 16.