Hugo Broos Frustrated By Last-Minute Hotel Change Ahead Of Zambia Clash
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has voiced his frustration after a sudden change in the team’s accommodation disrupted preparations for their upcoming international friendly against Zambia. The national team usually holds camp at the Southern Sun Hotel near OR Tambo International Airport, a location that has become their regular base for pre-match preparation. However, this time they were forced to relocate to the NH Hotel in Sandton after their usual hotel cancelled the booking at the last minute.
Speaking to the media on Monday at the NH Hotel, Broos explained that the situation caught the technical team off guard. “The reason why we are here today is because Saturday morning we got a message from the hotel where we usually go that the booking was cancelled. Very nice news, two days before the camp,” he said with frustration.
He revealed that overbooking was the cause of the cancellation. “So, there was an overbooking and blah blah blah. On Saturday morning, it was up to us to find another hotel. We tried to find something around our usual area, not too far from Dobsonville, but we couldn’t find a hotel. I think it’s normal that two days before you come with 36 people, not every hotel is available, so we had to come this side and I was very happy that we could come here.”
The sudden change also affected the team’s training schedule. With their usual facilities unavailable, Broos and his staff had to secure an alternative training venue. “That meant we also had to look for other training accommodation, so I want to thank the people of Ellis Park for the availability of the stadium. We will train there until Thursday. I know the pitch is very good, so I’m happy, but it was still an annoying and stressful situation when you receive a cancellation message two days before camp.”
Despite the setback, Broos maintained his focus on the task ahead. The coach emphasized that every match, including friendlies, is crucial for maintaining team form and improving FIFA rankings. “For me, friendly games don’t exist. Every game we have to be focused, concentrated, and try to win. I want to win on Saturday because it’s important for our rankings. We want to stay in the top 10 and move back to ninth after the defeat to Lesotho dropped us to tenth.”
The Belgian tactician also highlighted that the fixture against Zambia would help him assess fringe players before the Africa Cup of Nations. “It’s also my last opportunity to look at some players I want to see more closely. There are players here who have performed well for their clubs, and they deserve this chance. Now it’s up to them to prove that they belong here. Some could help us soon, others later, but this is their chance to show they can step up.”
Broos concluded by reminding his players that there will be no room for complacency. “Even if this is not a qualifier, I will not accept players treating this game as a little holiday. We are here to prepare properly and to win.” Bafana Bafana will face Zambia in what promises to be a competitive friendly as both nations fine-tune their squads ahead of the upcoming AFCON tournament.
