Hugo Broos
Hugo Broos says South African fans can hang him if he fails to lead the side to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The Bafana Bafana missed out on the next edition of the tournament in Cameroon by a whisker after losing the slot to Ghana and Sudan.
Former boss Molefi Ntseki was sacked after failing to guide the team to the continental showpiece, putting a massive pressure on the shoulders of the new Belgian coach.
Broos, who led Cameroon to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations title in Gabon, says he should be “killed” if he fails to qualify the side to the next tournament in Ivory Coast.
“If we are not qualified for that, you can kill me,” he said with a deadpan expression. “I know this country is looking forward to success.”
He added, “When rebuilding, there are always moments of weakness, so it can happen that we will not qualify for the (2022) World Cup. That said, we will do our utmost to reach Qatar.”
South Africa are in Group G with favourites Ghana, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia, and only the winners after a double round advance to the final round.
Broos, 69, played as a defender for two of Belgium’s biggest clubs, RSC Anderlecht and Club Brugge. He made more than 500 appearances during those spells. He also earned 24 caps for the national team in a playing career that spanned almost two decades.
He then hung up his boots in 1988 for a place in the dugout.
He has coached Brugge, Anderlecht, KRC Genk and Zulte Waregem in Belgium.
It won’t be easy, though. Bafana are in a group with 2010 World Cup finalists Ghana and Zimbabwe – who, unlike Bafana, will be heading to Cameroon next year. Ethiopia completes the group.