What Hugo Broos told Bafana to inspire unforgettable Mangaung victory

Following a tepid first stanza where the visitors had quickly cancelled out striker Iqraam Rayners’ opening minute goal, Broos went into the break toying with some ideas. 

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The win took SA level on points with Rwanda, who lead Group C of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers via goal difference, and Broos elaborated on the game plan.

''We made one mistake, a big mistake in the first-half, we did what Zimbabwe wanted - so we played to the center, so the wings didn't stay wide. That means everything was on a little surface and then we tried to make the passes and it was easy for Zimbabwe to defend. Once they had the ball, immediately they played the ball in front and there were moments in the game that hurt us,'' said Broos.

Thapelo Morena was brought on immediately at the start of the second half, with Broos giving him and the rest of the Bafana team clear instructions.

He scored twice.

''So in the second-half, during the half-time I asked the players to first of all to stay wide, secondly that when they recuperated the ball that we immediately go to the ball. First-half we went back and gave the space to Zimbabwe and that I think was the difference in the second-half,'' added Broos.

Under Broos’ tenure, Bafana are becoming a team that is clinical in their pressing game, and the Belgian suggested this is again how they were superior.

''We played more wide, we used the wings more, we played more behind the defense of Zimbabwe and once they recuperated we were immediately on the ball and they couldn't do what they did in the first-half,'' he concluded.

Broos also gave credit to the capacity crowd at the Free State Stadium for pushing Bafana in tough moments. It was the first time since 2010 that the national team played at the venue.