Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has strongly criticised the decision to send off Themba Zwane, insisting the midfielder did not deserve a red card and revealing that the South African Football Association (SAFA) will appeal the three-match suspension imposed on the veteran playmaker.
Speaking ahead of his side’s crucial clash against the Czech Republic, Broos revisited the incident involving Zwane and questioned the consistency of officiating by comparing it to a recent challenge involving Lionel Messi.
“I still think the red card was too severe,” said Broos. “I watched the incident again where Themba got sent off and I don’t believe it was a red card.”
The Belgian tactician explained that, in his view, the Mexican player had impeded Zwane’s movement without attempting to play the ball.
“The Mexican player blocked my player. He wasn’t guarding the ball; he was simply holding Themba. Themba just tried to get past him and put his arm over the player’s shoulder. That’s all he did.”
Broos then drew a comparison with Messi, suggesting similar incidents have been judged differently.
“When I saw what happened with Messi yesterday, I didn’t agree with the difference in treatment. There wasn’t even a VAR intervention there. I’m not saying Messi should have received a red card because a player like that deserves to be on the pitch. You saw what a wonderful player he is. But what is the difference?”
The 74-year-old admitted he remains frustrated by the severity of the punishment handed to Zwane and confirmed that Bafana Bafana will challenge the sanction.
“To receive a red card for that and then a three-match suspension is much, much, much too severe. I’m still frustrated about it,” Broos said.
“We will appeal because, in my opinion, the punishment simply does not fit the incident.”
Broos also shifted his attention to his team’s immediate challenge, stressing that victory in their next fixture is essential to keep their campaign alive.
“Our situation is clear. If we don’t win tomorrow, then we play the last game against South Korea for nothing, and that’s something we have to avoid.”
Reflecting on the defeat to Mexico, Broos acknowledged that mistakes were made but revealed he deliberately chose not to publicly criticise his players.
“Some people said the coach is too soft on his players, but I don’t like blaming them in front of the cameras. Sometimes, as a coach, you have to lie a little bit, and that’s what I did.”
Despite the disappointment of the opening match, Broos believes his side can respond positively if they improve, particularly in possession.
“We know what went wrong against Mexico and we will try to improve it tomorrow. If we can do that, especially when we have the ball, then I think we have a chance to win the game.”
Written by: Sandile Ndumo
