Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has called on his players to match the passion and determination of the reigning Rugby World Cup champions Springboks.
Broos uttered these remarks after South Africa: Boks played their hearts to beat hosts France 29-28 in a pulsating World Cup quarter-final, advancing to the semi-finals with a performance of sheer resilience at a sold-out Stade de France on Sunday evening.
With the Springboks setting up a semi-final showdown with England, Broos wants Bafana to emulate the rugby team by leaving everything out on the pitch when representing the country.
Bafana are expected to play in front of a packed at Le Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigne on Tuesday evening against the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast.
Broos’ troops tackle Ivory Coast in an international friendly a few days after their disappointing goalless draw against Eswatini, ranked 144 in the world, at FNB Stadium. The friendly matches are part of Bafana’s preparations for the 2023 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November and AFCON, set to start in January 2023.
BROOS SAYS BAFANA MUST CHANNEL BOKS’ SPIRIT TO SUCCEED
After watching their rugby counterparts on television as they edged France, Bafana coach said: “Yesterday (Sunday) evening we watched the other team of South Africa (Springboks) and saw their passion and way of playing, and there is a lot to learn from them.
OTHER SOCCER NEWS:Chiefs players not good enough for Bafana, says Broos
“There’s enough time to turn things around. It depends also a little bit on the reaction and mentality of the players, I think they are all conscious that Friday was a very bad game at all levels.
“Quality, mentality, passion, there was nothing. I think they are conscious of that, we spoke about it and I’m sure on Tuesday they will be ready to make a good performance. I think it’s quite easy to turn it around because the past proved that they can do it differently. The quality is there.
“It’s not a question of quality, more a question of mentality and underestimating the opponent.I’m confident Tuesday will be different because they know they playing Ivory Coast, so from the beginning, they will be more focused than Friday.”