Ex Mamelodi Sundowns Star Blasts Hugo Broos After Comments on Bafana Bafana’s Performance vs Mexico

• Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has been criticised for his comment after South Africa's defeat against Mexico in their World Cup fixture
• A former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was not happy with the South African men's national football team head coach's comment
• The Belgian tactician believed Bafana Bafana performed tremendously well against Mexico despite losing 2-0 at the Mexico City Stadium

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teko Modise has criticised Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, questioning his tactical approach and in-game management during South Africa’s 2–0 defeat to Mexico in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup fixture on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Broos’ side were reduced to nine men after red cards for Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, but Modise argued that the coach’s initial setup, particularly the decision to start with a back five, contributed to the team’s struggles and left the attack isolated with little meaningful service to the forwards.

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South Africa was also slow to adjust during the match, with Broos making his first substitution only after the team had already conceded and gone down to ten men. Two further changes followed after Mexico doubled their lead.

Broos sees positives despite defeat

It came as a surprise to South Africans as Broos claimed Bafana Bafana showed good signs with their performance against Mexico during the post-match interview. He confirmed that his team had a good chance, and the host looked desperate and could not find any space despite scoring two goals.

“I think my team played a good game,” the Belgian coach stated.

“At times, Mexico looked desperate; they couldn’t find any space. The only thing we must improve in the next game is our play when we have the ball. We weren’t very good with that today, and it’s something we have to work on.”

The comments from the Belgian tactician didn't go well with most Mzansi football fans as they were neither satisfied nor impressed with the team's performance in the match.

Modise pushes back strongly

In an interview with SuperSport TV, Modise was not happy with Broos' comment after the game and accused the Belgian mentor of being out of touch with what unfolded on the pitch.

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“You were the one who put this 11, this system altogether,” he said. “You can’t come out and tell us as a country that things have been well. Which game were you watching?”

The former Bafana Bafana midfielder added that South Africa lost control of the match immediately after conceding, and questioned the persistence with a defensive structure despite the game situation.

“With the players we have, we still went with five at the back in the second half… just hoping,” Modise added, criticising the lack of proactive changes.

“I was literally waiting for halftime so changes could be made, but they didn’t come. It felt like he was playing for a draw. We never set out to try and win the game.”

Bafana train under tight security in Mexico

Briefly News also reported that Bafana Bafana's World Cup preparations in Mexico have unfolded under heightened security as authorities ramp up safety measures ahead of the tournament.

Hugo Broos' squad began training in Pachuca with security personnel visible around the team's base camp and training venues. The precautions form part of a wider operation across Mexico, where authorities are preparing for the arrival of millions of visitors during the FIFA World Cup.

Source: Briefly News