Hugo Broos Hits Back at Critics Over Bafana Bafana Star Ahead of Panama Clash

• Hugo Broos has replied to those criticising his decision to include Nkosinathi Sibisi in the latest South African national team squad
• The Belgian tactician called up 23 players for the forthcoming matches against Panama in South Africa, with Sibisi included
• The Bafana Bafana head coach's comments on Sibisi sparked different reactions from Mzansi football fans on social media

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has hit back at critics over the inclusion of Nkosinathi Sibisi in the latest South African squad to take on Panama ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Bafana Bafana would face Panama twice during the international break, the first one would be on Friday, 27 March, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, followed by the second clash on Tuesday, 31 March, at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

The game serves as a preparatory game ahead of the World Cup, and the Belgian tactician called up 23 players to represent South Africa during the friendlies.

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Why Sibisi is being criticised

Sibisi faced serious criticism from Orlando Pirates supporters after the Sea Robbers were dumped out of the Nedbank Cup by Casric Stars a few weeks ago.

The Buccaneers were unable to defeat the lower division side for the entire duration of the game, and the match went into penalties, in which Sibisi was part of the players who missed a penalty in the 5-4 shootout loss for Abdeslam Ouaddou's side.

There were divided opinions about Sibisi being one of the best defenders in the Premier Soccer League, and he was dragged by several Pirates fans for missing from the spot during the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 tie against Casric Stars.

Despite the backlash from fans on social media, Sibisi retained his place in Broos' latest squad and is expected to start in one of the games against Panama during the international break.

Broos hits back at critics concerning Sibisi

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Speaking to the media after releasing his final Bafana Bafana squad, Broos defended the 30-year-old, insisting that a missed penalty does not diminish Sibisi’s value to the team.

The Belgian tactician emphasised that missing from 12 yards is not unusual and that criticising Sibisi shows a lack of understanding of the game.

“You know, putting a player under pressure just because he missed a penalty is absurd,” Broos said.

“Sibisi took on the responsibility as Pirates captain, and yes, he missed. But he’s far from the first to do so—Cape Verde missed five against us recently. Social media criticism is ridiculous and shows little knowledge of football.”

Here is what fans are saying on social media about Broos' comments on those criticising Sibisi.

Fabios Maphori implied:

"Sibisi is so lucky, but if Mvala can come back on play, it'll be history for Sibisi and Hugo FC."

Zia Faniso said:

"Broos is a father before being a coach, I love this about him."

Thiemuli Wesley Nemafhohoni wrote:

"Guys, I think it's high time we let him select whoever he's selecting because, at the end of the day, it's all about him and his tactics... He lost well, but we won't change what has already happened, just as he wins. EG Senegal won in the field of play, but the decision was taken in the office, and Morocco won by office rules."

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Philasande Mpembe shared:

"It’s not only about missing a penalty. It’s about the mistakes as well that cost us games in both Bafana and Orlando Pirates. This guy has turned into a flop, honestly. There’s no way we can defend him anymore."

Ke John-Doe added:

"Maybe he's seeing something in him that none of us can. Let's give their work relationship a chance, maybe Hugo will leave him with something great to remember."

South Africa are grouped alongside one of the host nations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and would be playing the opening game of the competition.

Nigerian football legend calls out SA players

Briefly News also reported that a Nigerian football legend has criticised South African players for not taking up a new challenge by moving to Europe.

The Super Eagles legend acknowledged the Premier Soccer League for being one of the best leagues in Africa, but wants Bafana Bafana stars to leave their comfort zone.

Source: Briefly News