Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has addressed the growing talk around South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ambitions, insisting there is no need to repeatedly remind players about winning the tournament because the desire already exists within the squad.

As anticipation builds ahead of AFCON 2025, Broos believes constant reminders about lifting the trophy could do more harm than good, adding unnecessary pressure to a team that is already fully aware of what is at stake.

South Africa Enter AFCON as Serious Contenders

Bafana Bafana head into the continental tournament in impressive form, currently standing as one of Africa’s most consistent national teams. South Africa are unbeaten in 25 matches across all competitions, a run that includes AFCON qualifiers and FIFA World Cup qualification matches over the last two years.

Their unexpected third-place finish at the previous AFCON in Ivory Coast reshaped perceptions of the national team. What was once seen as an underdog outfit is now widely regarded as a genuine contender on the African stage.

Broos noted that South Africa’s steady rise has not gone unnoticed by rival nations.

“Repeating It Creates Pressure” — Broos

While Broos understands the expectations from supporters eager to see Bafana lift the AFCON trophy for the first time since 1996, he made it clear that constantly highlighting that objective to players would be counterproductive.

“Pressure is something you create yourself,” Broos explained.
“Everywhere I go, people tell me, ‘Coach, win AFCON, bring the cup home.’ That expectation is already there.”

The Belgian mentor stressed that players are fully aware of the ambition and do not need to be reminded every few days.

“They want to win AFCON just as much as the fans do,” he said.
“If you keep repeating it, you only add pressure. As a coach, that would be a mistake.”

A Changed Status in African Football

Broos emphasised that the biggest message he delivers to the squad is not about trophies, but about South Africa’s new status in African football.

“Two years ago, we were just one of the teams,” he explained.
“Now, we are considered one of the best teams at AFCON.”

That shift, according to Broos, means opponents will approach matches against Bafana very differently this time around.

He referenced the previous AFCON clash against Morocco, where South Africa benefited from an opponent that underestimated them — something he believes will not happen again.

“Our opponents will be fully prepared now,” Broos added.
“We have to be ready for that level of respect.”

Focus on Preparation, Not Pressure

Rather than dwelling on outcomes, Broos says his priority is ensuring the squad is mentally and tactically prepared for the challenges ahead.

By focusing on preparation instead of pressure, the Bafana coach hopes to guide South Africa through another strong AFCON campaign — one that could finally end the long wait for continental glory.

📌 Stay tuned for AFCON squad updates, match previews, and post-match analysis.
💬 Do you believe Bafana Bafana can go all the way this time?