Following Bafana Bafana’s hard-fought 2-1 penalty victory against Cape Verde, coach Hugo Broos candidly shared his genuine assessment of the team’s performance. Despite the triumph, Broos expressed disappointment in their lack of clinical finishing, especially from the penalty spot.
Not Luck, but Exceptional Goalkeeping:
Broos commended his team for their overall performance against Cape Verde but stressed on the missed opportunities during penalties. He particularly praised goalkeeper Ronwen Williams for his exceptional display in saving four crucial spot-kicks. “If you can save four penalties, this is not luck anymore. You can save one, but four, this is not luck,” Broos emphasized.
Pressure and New Experiences:
Acknowledging the challenging match, Broos conceded that the team’s overall performance was subpar, indicating it might be the weakest display in the tournament. He attributed this to the pressure some players faced, stating, “For some players, it’s a very new experience, and maybe the pressure and the nerves played a role today in the game.”
Victory Despite Challenges:
Despite the less-than-ideal performance, Broos highlighted the significance of the win, stating, “It’s not the way you win [that matters], it’s you win, and we won today with penalties. So we are very happy.” Bafana Bafana now look forward to their next challenge against Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.
Ronwen Williams Credits Collective Effort:
Man of the Match, Ronwen Williams, addressed the press alongside Broos, attributing his award to the collective effort of the entire team. He expressed pride in the team’s fight and desire throughout the challenging 120-plus minutes. Williams acknowledged the brotherhood on the field and dedicated his trophy to the entire team, the technical staff, and everyone involved in their journey in Ivory Coast.
Analysts’ Contribution Recognized:
Williams also gave credit to the analysts for their crucial role in strategizing against the tournament’s opposition. He praised their efforts in providing footage and insights on players from around the world, making his job as a goalkeeper significantly easier.