The Belgian mentor trimmed his final squad ahead of the tournament, with six players learning at the last moment that they would not be travelling with the team to the global showpiece.
Among those omitted were Kaizer Chiefs trio Brandon Petersen, Thabiso Monyane and Lebohang Maboe, while Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi, Cape Town City youngster Brooklyn Poggenpoel and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Thapelo Morena were also left out.
Broos reportedly informed the affected players during the team's final dinner before departure, a decision Zuma believes was unfair considering the players had been involved in preparations and would have been hoping to make the final cut.
The former Bafana and FC Copenhagen star said he sympathised with the six players, arguing that the coaching staff likely knew their plans well before the announcement was made.
"It was not nice for the six guys, the way they found out," Zuma told Sowetan.
"I really felt sorry for them, but then again, this is a national team. We come together for the same goal which is to serve the national team."
Zuma stressed that while difficult decisions are part of football, communication is equally important when dealing with players who have committed themselves to the national cause.
"They should have been told earlier; I'm sure the coaching staff knew a few days before who's going to be part of the team. I'm not fighting against anyone, but it could have been handled way better. The guys took one for the team in the end," he added.
Despite the controversy surrounding the final selections, attention now turns to Bafana Bafana's World Cup campaign.
South Africa begin their Group A journey against Mexico on 11 June before taking on the Czech Republic. Broos' men will then conclude their group-stage fixtures against South Korea as they seek a place in the knockout rounds of the tournament.
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