Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos denies clash with Orlando Pirates star Lepasa

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos denies clash with Orlando Pirates star Lepasa
Credit: Icon Sport

The coach of Bafana Bafana Hugo Broos debunked rumours flying around that there was a clash that occured between himself and Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa.

Broos responded to media and social media reports over something suspicious which amounted to Lepasa’s withdrawal from camp just a day after Bafana were held to a goalless friendly draw by Eswatini at FNB Stadium last Friday.

Hugo Broos, coach of Bafana Bafana
Credit: Icon Sport

When the news broke out that the Pirates' star striker left the camp, fans were inquisitive to know the reason why but nothing came up as it was unclear then.

However, after the team’s arrival in Abidjan where they will face Ivory Coast in an international friendly on Tuesday evening, the Bafana medical team confirmed a knee injury was behind the 26-year-old’s departure from camp, which Broos maintained in his response.

Bafana Bafana during training
Credit: Icon Sport

Hugo Broos' response to the rumours

“I was surprised and, again, a little bit angry when I read in the media that there was a clash between me and Lepasa – this is a very, very big lie.

“There has never been a clash, the only thing that Lepasa suffers from is his knee [injury] after the game from Friday, and it became worse overnight.

“So, we decided, together with the doctor, that it was better [for him] not to go to Ivory Coast because he certainly wouldn't play the game here on Tuesday – he wouldn't be ready so, therefore, he went to his club.”

‘In South Africa they always try to look for something negative'

The strange assertions did not go down well with the boss who clearly cleaned up his name and pointed out how people can be negative.

“I can show an MRI [scan result] so the proof is there, but yeah, okay, in South Africa they always try to look for something negative. Let's repeat again, there has been no clash between me and Lepasa,” he concluded.

Next in line for Bafana Bafana

The South African senior football team will face Ivory Coast in a second international friendly in Abidjan on Tuesday evening, as the team continues to try and fix some of their challenges before competitive action returns in November.

Bafana Bafana have promised an improved performance as they take on the AFCON hosts following the unpleasant draw with Eswatini last time out.

For the coach, a good performance from his team is crucial, irrespective of the result.

Fans will be able to watch the LIVE broadcast of the friendly game on SABC Sport from 20:30 SAST.

This article was most recently revised and updated 11 months ago

Joseph Abadi
Joseph is a freelance writer who spends most of his time writing engaging football contents. Based in Nigeria, Joseph is a die-hard Real Madrid fan with over 8 years experience in the sports betting space. He has covered football match previews, predictions, and news across leagues in Africa and Europe.
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