South Africa coach Hugo Broos prepares for historic World Cup knockout match against Canada
via The Namibian3 min read
South Africa coach Hugo Broos is preparing for a significant match in his 38-year career as Bafana Bafana face Canada in the first last-32 fixture of the World Cup. The 74-year-old Belgian grandfather expressed joy at his team's success in reaching the knockout phase for the first time. South Africa secured second place in Group A and qualification after a 1-0 victory over South Korea, with a goal from Thapelo Maseko. This followed a 2-0 loss to Mexico and a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic. Broos, who has coached the team since 2021, noted the team's belief in themselves after the emotional moment of progressing past the group stage. He stated, "We are ready for the Canadians. My team will fight for 90 minutes, and longer if necessary." Should South Africa defeat Canada, they would play the Netherlands or Morocco in the last-16. Broos also addressed past criticism, stating, "I do things my way. I do not read social media trash. I never listen to people who think they are important. It would be better for them to shut up." He recalled a suggestion for a statue in his honor, remarking, "I told them to make it of wood so it burns quickly when we fail." Broos previously guided Cameroon to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations title. South Africa experienced a decade of underachievement after the 2010 World Cup. When Broos took over in 2021, Bafana were attracting small crowds, but a recent warm-up match drew 50,000 supporters. The team finished third at the 2024 Afcon and won a 2026 Wo
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has appointed former The Namibian editor Tangeni Amupadhi to an 11-member task force. This task force is charged with reviewing salary structures at public enterprises and recommending new pay structures for board members and board committees. Amupadhi, who led The Namibian's newsroom for 15 years, is joined by other notable individuals. The task force will be chaired by former Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management executive director Joseph Diescho, with former higher education minister Itah Kandjii-Murangi as deputy chairperson. Other members include retired Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia pastor Mateus Tshapaka Tshakapolo, former Roads Authority chief executive officer Conrad Lutombi, L眉deritz Waterfront chief executive Fluksman Samuehl, former ||Kharas governor Aletha Frederick, former presidential spokesperson Mathew ||Gowaseb, Public Service Commission member Habatte Doeses, Aino Mukwiilongo, and lawyer Tanja Jacobie. Established for the period from July 1 to September 30, 2026, the task force will also review recruitment policies for public enterprise CEOs, recommend best practices, develop guidelines for appointing public servants to recruitment panels, and advise on placing public servants on public enterprise boards. The committee is expected to submit its final report to the Cabinet committee on public service at the end of its three-month assignment.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has conveyed Namibia's condolences to the people and government of Venezuela after earthquakes resulted in the deaths of at least 920 people. The tremors, which began on Wednesday evening, devastated parts of the capital, Caracas. A subsequent 4.9 magnitude earthquake was detected off Venezuela's northern coast on Friday, adding to concerns during ongoing recovery efforts. In a message to Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodr铆guez, Nandi-Ndaitwah affirmed Namibia's solidarity and praised the courage of the Venezuelan people and emergency workers. She emphasized the importance of international support during crises and expressed confidence in Venezuela's recovery and reconstruction, reaffirming the friendship between the two nations.
Laliq Adams secured a gold medal in the girls under-14 shotput event at the World Youth Games in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Saturday. Her winning throw measured 13.58 meters. This marks Namibia's first gold medal at this year's event, with Adams following Mathew Coetzee, who won gold last year in the 80m dash. Adams is a student at Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool, which congratulated her, stating that her hard work, dedication, and determination have borne fruit, and that she represented both the school and Namibia with pride. The school also extended congratulations to her coaches, parents, and supporters, acknowledging their contribution to her historic achievement.