Broos frustrated by last-minute hotel change ahead of Bafana friendly

A visibly disturbed Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has expressed his frustration following a last-minute change to the team’s accommodation that disrupted their training regime.

The Belgian strategist revealed that the team had to move to the NH Hotel in Sandton after their usual camp hotel was unexpectedly overbooked.

Addressing the media on Monday afternoon, just days before their international friendly against Zambia on Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, Broos did not hide his exasperation at the timing of the cancellation.

“We are gathered here because we received a message on Saturday morning from the hotel where we usually stay. They informed us our booking was cancelled. It was certainly surprising news, especially just two days before the camp,” he said, with a hint of sarcasm.

Broos detailed the frantic search for alternative accommodation.

“Not only that, we tried to find something in the region where we usually are, not too far from Dobsonville, but we couldn’t find a hotel. I think it is normal that two days before you come with 36 people, every hotel is unavailable, so we had to come this side, and I was pleased that we could find a place to stay,” he explained.

While logistical hurdles pose a challenge, Broos stressed that his primary concern is the squad’s performance on the pitch. Initially intending to leave out players from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates due to their packed schedules, he reversed that decision, citing the importance of having his strongest team available against regional rivals Zambia.

“For me, friendly games don’t exist; every game we have to be focused and concentrated and try to win that game, and it will not be different from this game,” Broos stated firmly.

With Bafana currently ranked 10th in Africa and 59th in the world, he highlighted the importance of securing a victory.

“I want to win on Saturday, and that’s all. The primary reason for my change of heart regarding the Sundowns and Pirates players is that I want to win. First, it’s important for our ranking. We want to stay in the Top 10, pushing to get back to the ninth spot again,” Broos said.

With the African Cup of Nations just a month away, Broos also underlined the psychological impact of a potential loss in the friendly.

“It shouldn’t be a very good thing if we lose the game on Saturday. I will ask every player to focus and concentrate, as we did during the qualifiers. Even though it’s not the qualifiers, I will not accept that players treat these games like a little holiday,” he added.

As Bafana Bafana prepare to face Zambia, all eyes will be on Broos and his squad to deliver a performance that restores confidence and sets the tone for a successful AFCON campaign.