Former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates midfielder Jabu Mahlangu has taken a firm stance against the criticism directed at Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos following the team’s elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by Cameroon on Sunday.
On his TikTok account, Mahlangu shared strong opinions against podcasters Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi and Junior Khanye, who kept calling for Broos’ head.
Mahlangu, who has played at the FIFA World Cup stage for the team, said the duo were making one-sided and unverified comments about Broos, overlooking his rep sheet, which has led to most South Africans rallying behind Bafana, who were eliminated in the AFCON last 16 when all hope seemed to have been lost.
“Tso Vilakazi says the coach must be fired. Yo! I’ve never heard of it… And he’s (Vilakazi) a coach, by the way, with badges to his name… You’re reckless, my brother,” Mahlangu said.
Mahlangu warned Vilakazi that such comments could lose him respect among the players who look up to people like him. Vilakazi and Khanye, former PSL stars and household names, turned to commentary in their podcast that has gained popularity. Mahlangu acknowledged that there were high expectations for Bafana to surpass their previous bronze medal achievement.
“I mean, coach (Broos) has done so much. A lose is a lose. You know this. We’ve played the game. We win some, we lose some. So I need to address you directly and your show.
“You appear to be consistently offering negative criticism. You don’t back up with facts,” Mahlangu said.
Mahlangu said Broos has succeeded in building the team with young players and restored dignity. He said Bafana now has a pool of players to select from.
“You are talking about firing the coach five months before the World Cup. What can the following coach do within this time?”
“Our dignity as South Africans is back. I don’t care who says what. Fans are back in the stadium. They were no longer cheering for Bafana. They were no longer watching. Look now, Bafana are playing everywhere. Full house. The support is back,” Mahlangu said.
“Mina I’m defending i-South Africa; I’m defending our head coach. Can we afford to forget the work that the coach has put in to bring together the young players?
“I’m not fighting with anyone, and I hear that Tso Vilakazi says coach Broos must be fired. It’s still early in the year. And I think Tso is still in December holiday mode,” he said.
Mahlangu said it must be understood that Broos is on the verge of retirement, not abandoning the team as it may be suggested.
“I am defending our head coach because we cannot ignore his record and his work. We now have a team and direction in our country.”
“You are saying, ‘Why keep the coach because he is leaving after the World Cup?’ There’s a difference between leaving and retiring. I am very disappointed. And I think you are still in December and have not recovered. Broos did not say he is leaving; he is retiring because he is almost 80 years old. I do not understand your agenda,” he said before ending with the call to respect Broos.
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