Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos insists their performance has silenced critics, who questioned his methods in recent weeks.

South Africa made history when they secured their progression to the World Cup knockout stages following their 1-0 victory over Korea Republic.

Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 62nd minute to see Bafana finish second in the Group A standings.

Broos revealed that his unwavering belief in his players and the unique bond he shares with the squad have been key to the team’s success.

“I’m very proud of the performance of my team and I think we gave an answer to all those big mouths of the last weeks that thought that we had to change something,” said a defiant Broos.

“We just did what we did. We just did what I wanted to do and this is the result.”

“I said it already in the past that probably it will be one of the last games of my career and when you can end a career like I had in this way, I think everybody or every coach dreams of it.”

He added: “Between me as a coach and them as players is yes, maybe something unique – I’m the coach, but I’m not a coach,” he said.

“I think I’m a friend of theirs. So the relationship between the players and me, this is very good.”

Bafana Bafana will shift their focus to their upcoming Round of 32 fixture against co-host Canada when they meet at the SoFi Stadium on Sunday evening.