South African football fans have found one of the most heartwarming ways to celebrate their heroes, and it’s been a beautiful sight.
First, Kamogelo Sebelebele was handed a bouquet of roses after his dazzling performance in Orlando Pirates’ two-legged MTN-8 semifinal. Soon after, Mbekezeli Mbokazi received his flowers for a man-of-the-match showing in Bafana Bafana’s thrilling 1-1 draw with Nigeria.
The tradition continued when Tshepang Moremi was surprised with a bouquet following his super-sub heroics in Pirates’ MTN-8 final triumph on Saturday.
“Give people their flowers while they can still smell them,” the saying goes.
But while the Flowers Brigade is spreading love to the players, one figure they cannot overlook is Hugo Broos.
If anyone deserves a bouquet, it’s the Belgian mastermind.
When Broos took charge, Bafana had just missed out on the rescheduled 2021 Africa Cup of Nations—yet another bitter disappointment for long-suffering South African fans. His appointment was met with skepticism: at 69, could he really have the drive to rebuild a fallen giant? Did he have the stamina to crisscross the country scouting talent and monitoring South Africans abroad?
Broos, however, made his intentions clear from day one:
“South Africa has a rich football history and is among the powerhouses on the continent. The country is full of talent, and I am coming to coach a truly footballing nation with massive potential. My main focus will be to integrate new players with hunger and desire. Young players are ambitious and want to prove a point, and I need to start from there because I want to build a strong Bafana Bafana side for the future.”
And true to his word, his first squad was bold. He centered his rebuild around the Tokyo 2021 Olympic team, leaving out seasoned campaigners like Themba Zwane, whom he initially deemed too old.
The early journey wasn’t smooth. Bafana were controversially denied a place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after a dubious penalty decision against Ghana. Still, the signs of progress were unmistakable: Broos’ Bafana were fearless, organized, and slowly restoring belief in the badge.
Not everyone was convinced, though. In the face of critics, Broos delivered one of his most memorable lines:
“If I don’t qualify for the 2023 AFCON, you can kill me.”
To his credit, Broos also showed humility. He later admitted he was wrong to exclude Zwane. Once the Sundowns veteran was recalled, Bafana looked complete—and the results followed.
Qualification for AFCON 2023 was sealed in style, and at the tournament, Bafana exceeded all expectations. They survived a tough group, stormed into the knockouts, and after a heartbreaking penalty defeat to Nigeria in the semifinals, regrouped to defeat Burkina Faso for a bronze medal—their first AFCON podium finish since 2000.
The ripple effects have been undeniable. South Africa jumped from 15th to inside the top 10 in CAF rankings and soared from 75th to 55th in the FIFA World Rankings. Broos had not only restored pride but also carved out a clear footballing identity for Bafana Bafana.
The Belgian who once led Cameroon to continental glory is now laying the foundation for South Africa’s return to the world stage, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup firmly in sight.
That, my friends, is football heritage.
So yes—give the man his flowers.
Written by: Sandile Ndumo
