Hugo Broos future: SAFA denies offering Bafana Bafana coach new one-year deal

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has dismissed reports that Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has been handed a new one-year contract, insisting no decision has yet been taken on the national team’s technical set-up.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, SAFA said its “governance processes regarding the Bafana Bafana technical team have not yet been concluded” and described the reports as “false, unfounded and misleading”.

Broos, who guided South Africa to the knockout stages of the 2026 Fifa World Cup for the first time in the country’s history, remains under contract until July 2026 – but had previously indicated he intended to retire from coaching after the tournament.

SAFA hits back at ‘misleading’ reports

The governing body moved to clarify its position after speculation in local media that Broos, 72, had agreed a short-term extension amid upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“SAFA has learnt with concern of reports and rumours being circulated by respected media houses alleging Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has been offered or issued with a one-year contract extension,” the association stated. “SAFA wishes to categorically state that these reports are false, unfounded and misleading.

“To set the record straight, SAFA has not issued any contract to any coach in respect of the Bafana coach position. Broos remains under contract with SAFA until the end of July 2026, in accordance with his existing agreement.”

The association stressed that any decision on the coaching structure would only be made once its internal review had been completed and considered by its leadership.

“The association’s governance processes regarding the Bafana technical team have not yet been concluded. Therefore no decision has been taken and no contract has been issued or approved by the national executive committee.

“… SAFA remains committed to transparent communication and will make an official announcement on the Bafana coaching positions once the appropriate internal processes have been completed and the relevant decisions have been taken by the association’s structures.”

Jordaan: ‘We need to talk to Hugo Broos’

SAFA president Danny Jordaan had earlier signalled that discussions with Broos were imminent following South Africa’s World Cup campaign.

Speaking at OR Tambo International Airport as he greeted the returning squad, Jordaan said SAFA “needs to talk to Hugo Broos” to evaluate the team’s performance and “map a way forward”.

Broos had announced well before the World Cup that he would retire from coaching after the tournament. However, during the finals he hinted he could consider staying on in the short term, with qualification for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in East Africa due to begin in September.

The apparent shift in tone from the Belgian coach, combined with South Africa’s improved showing on the global stage, fuelled widespread speculation about an imminent new deal – speculation SAFA has now sought to firmly shut down.

Historic World Cup run under scrutiny

Bafana Bafana’s World Cup performance will form the core of SAFA’s evaluation.

Playing at the tournament for the first time in 16 years, South Africa opened with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in Mexico City, but responded with a 1-1 draw against Czechia in Atlanta, Georgia.

They then produced one of the shocks of the group phase, beating South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey, Mexico, to reach the last 32 for the first time in their history.

Their run ended with a narrow 1-0 loss to Canada in Los Angeles, but the team’s progression beyond the group stage has been widely viewed as a breakthrough for Bafana Bafana on the world stage.

SAFA has indicated that only once its full review of that campaign and the broader technical structure is complete will it confirm whether Broos is to lead South Africa into the next qualification cycle – or whether a change will be made before his current contract expires in mid-2026.