Ernst Middendorp: Ex Kaizer Chiefs Coach Hits Back at Hugo Broos Over Comments on Bafana Bafana

Ernst Middendorp has addressed comments made by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who suggested that South African footballers need to play in elite European leagues to be competitive at major tournaments.

Broos made these remarks following South Africa’s early exit from the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. The 1996 champions were eliminated in the Round of 16 after a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon.

During that match, Cameroon highlighted Bafana’s defensive weaknesses, a problem that saw the team concede six goals over four matches in the tournament.

South Africa advanced to the knockout stage by finishing second in Group B with six points from three matches, securing wins against Angola and Zimbabwe, but losing to Egypt.

Middendorp fires back at Hugo Broos

After returning from Morocco, Broos told the media that for South Africa to contend for titles like AFCON, players must move to top European leagues.

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The comment has stirred debate, with Middendorp—Durban City FC’s technical director—arguing that European exposure is not what makes players better; effective coaching at home does.

“Player development depends on the environment, not the location,” Middendorp wrote on LinkedIn.

“Europe doesn’t inherently improve players; it’s just a setting where high standards are enforced, excuses are removed, and accountability is mandatory. If the same conditions exist in South Africa, players can develop without leaving the country, and when they do move abroad, they are better prepared to succeed.

“Growth happens domestically when coaching is rigorous, consistent, and detail-oriented. Training must mirror match intensity, selection should reward performance rather than reputation, off-ball responsibility must be enforced, and winning habits cultivated through structure, not speeches.

“A well-structured and accountable local environment produces capable players. The challenge isn’t a lack of talent in South Africa—it’s the inconsistent football culture,” he concluded.

Here is what fans are saying about Middendorp's comments on Broos' remarks on Bafana Bafana players moving to Europe.

William Letsoalo

Before afcon pirates fans said we should leave their coach alone. Broos knows what he's doing lol 😂 Broos went there and defended against 10 men of Egypt.....

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Xibokoto Richard

I have to agree with Middendorp, lying good foundation for our players and the right coaching standards will make SA football compete; the standard in Africa is too high; no team is small these days, as well as in other parts of the world. Hugo Bross must admit that the players didn't pitch up for this tournament, and the lack of experience exposed his selections.

Tzafenda

He is 100% right. We still need to export more players to top European leagues to create space at home and a larger pool of players.

Sello Malatsi

Hugo Broos doesn't have a system. Rulani leaving Sundowns killed Hugo Broos because Bafana Bafana was a dominant force.

Kulprit Silolo

South Africans don't want to accept what Broos said because they don't want to admit that their league is poor .... however for anyone to be the best you have to test yourself against the best to see where to work on so that you can improve n everyone knows where the best is so for us to deny ourselves such opportunities because Egypt used to dominate AFCON without relying on overseas based players is ill-advised because in Egyptian league they don't sell clubs like they sell magwenya

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What's next for South Africa?

South Africa are now focused on preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after their hopes of winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations were dashed by Cameroon in the Round of 16.

Bafana Bafana would be playing in the opening fixture of the competition against one of the hosts and would look forward to making the knockout stages for the first time in the tournament.

Broos warned against public criticism

Briefly News also reported that Broos was warned against public criticism after Bafana Bafana were knocked out of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The former Cameroon national team coach made some comments about the tournament before their game against the Indomitable Lions, and it was used against him after South Africa crashed out of the competition.

Source: Briefly News