Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has dismissed travel fatigue and logistical hiccups as excuses ahead of South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations opener against Angola, insisting his side are ready to embrace the challenge of AFCON 2025.

South Africa begin their Group B campaign against the Palancas Negras in Marrakech on Monday, knowing that a positive result could be crucial in a demanding pool that also includes Egypt and Zimbabwe.

Bafana’s arrival in Morocco was far from ideal, with a gruelling 26-hour journey via Dubai and Casablanca, compounded by lost luggage. But Broos was quick to downplay the disruption.

“The journey was very difficult — 26 hours of flying — and I even lost my suitcase, I don’t know where it is,” Broos said. “But that’s not an excuse. We are here now and we must play a good match. Football does not allow excuses.”

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Broos believes South Africa’s recent progress has raised expectations, but warned that winning AFCON remains a formidable task.

“We have had some good years and played well, but winning this tournament is still very difficult,” he said. “There are many circumstances that have to come together. We believe we can go further than in previous tournaments. That is everyone’s dream. You also need a bit of luck, but we believe in ourselves.”

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Preparation was not seamless, with some players arriving late and new faces needing time to settle.

“Preparation was complicated because some players were not there at the beginning,” Broos admitted. “But now everyone is present, the atmosphere in training has changed. The new players are adapting and we are ready to go and fight for the win.”

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Bafana captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams echoed his coach’s confidence, while acknowledging the rising standard of the tournament.

“We haven’t lost in two years and we beat Morocco, a big team, so it’s normal that people are looking at us,” Williams said. “But this AFCON is different. The level has gone up a lot and we must raise our level too. Nothing will be easy, but we are ready for the challenge.”

Williams stressed that consistency and focus would be key. “We know what is expected of us. Every team is strong here and we have to give even more than before.”

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images