In a heartwarming gesture, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos awarded his Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) bronze medal to South African football legend Jomo Sono on Wednesday.
Sono, a former national team player and coach himself, was left speechless by the unexpected honor. “This is a huge surprise for me,” he said. “This is a massive gesture from Coach Hugo Broos and SAFA [South African Football Association]. This means so much to me and I will treasure this medal.”
Broos, who led Bafana Bafana to their third-place finish at the 2023 AFCON, explained his decision to Sono, stating his appreciation for Sono’s contributions to South African football. The specific details of Broos’ message were not disclosed.
This act of sportsmanship and recognition has resonated with South African football fans, many of whom admire both Sono and Broos for their dedication to the sport.
Sono’s legacy as a player and his continued involvement in football development programs have earned him widespread respect, while Broos’ recent success with the national team has solidified his place in South African football history.
The presentation of the medal took place at SAFA House on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
