South Africa head coach Hugo Broos says his outfit has no excuses but to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The Bafana Bafana failed to qualify for the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon after suffering a 2-0 defeat in their final group C game against Sudan in Karthoum.
It was the fourth time that South Africa have failed to progress to the Africa Cup of Nations since 2010. They missed out in 2010, 2012, and 2017.
"This is now the past," Broos told Sport24,
"We can’t change it, and now we have to focus on something new, and that is the qualifiers for Afcon 2023.”
Broos enjoyed success at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament as head coach of Cameroon in 2017, but he faces a far greater challenge with South Africa.
He added, "The plan is, first, there will be no excuses; we have to qualify for Afcon 2023. No excuses. This will be my responsibility."
"We are rebuilding a team. We came very close (to advancing to the next round of the World Cup qualifiers).
"One goal killed us (against Ghana). Now, for Afcon 2023, there will be no excuses. I don’t have any excuses anymore.
"We have to focus everything on getting to Afcon next year in June/July, taking place in Cote d’Ivoire. It is also important for the development and experience of the team."
Broos has overseen six matches at the helm of Bafana, recording four victories, one draw, and only suffering defeat once.