Bafana Bafana Coach Frustrated by 45-Minute Commute to Training Pitch in Rabat.

Hugo Broos

South Africa’s head coach Hugo Broos has launched a scathing attack on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over what he describes as inadequate logistical arrangements for Bafana Bafana’s preparations in the knockout stages of AFCON 2025.

After relocating from Marrakesh—where they played all group matches—to Rabat for their Round of 16 showdown with Cameroon on January 4, 2026, Broos highlighted the team’s training pitch being a 45-minute drive from their hotel.

“I’m not so happy with the current situation,” Broos told ESPN. “We are 45 minutes away from our training pitch, so that means… we were more than three hours away for training; 45 minutes to drive, one hour 15 training, then 45 minutes to drive back. Such things don’t make me happy.”

The Belgian tactician contrasted this with previous tournaments: “In Gabon, in Ivory Coast, it’s never happened… I’ve never had to drive more than 15-20 minutes. The training pitch should have been closer to the hotel.”

Broos also raised concerns that the facility is reportedly within Morocco’s base camp—a potential quarter-final opponent—questioning CAF’s decision-making.

CAF responded by stating that logistics were shared weeks in advance for team feedback, with no objections received from South Africa.

This is not Broos’s first criticism of the tournament; he previously lamented the lack of “vibe” due to low attendances.

The high-stakes clash against Cameroon—whom Broos led to the 2017 title—kicks off at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, adding extra intrigue as the coach vows “no mercy” despite sentimental ties.