AFCON, today
South Africa vs Nigeria
Cote D’Ivoire vs DR Congo
South Africa manager Hugo Broos insists he feels no pressure ahead of their seismic TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations semi-final showdown with Nigeria on Wednesday.
The experienced Belgian has been coaching for 36 years and believes his know-how leaves him well-equipped to handle such high stakes.
“If you’re a young coach you’re more influenced by pressure. I’ve experienced it all and I know how to keep it away,” Broos stated.
The calming presence of the 2017 AFCON winning coach with Cameroon has been key to South Africa’s remarkable run.
Broos says nerves cloud judgement and he has learned to think clearly before big games.
“I’m not nervous so I can see problems in the team. My experience means I don’t have issues with these matches,” he explained.
Keeping distractions away has also been vital, with Broos protecting his squad from outside influences.
“We’re together here and nobody can enter where we are, which helps,” he said.
Broos has advised his players to stay off social media to avoid pitfalls amidst their historic journey.
“You have to decide if you look at the nice or bad things,” he warned sensibly.
The coach’s composed outlook gives South Africa every chance to pull off another upset against a talented Nigeria side.
Broos’ wisdom and guidance has led Bafana Bafana into uncharted waters as they chase a first AFCON crown since 1996.
Now on the cusp of another final, the calming presence of this veteran tactician could prove telling once again.
