Broos in line for new Bafana deal as Safa U-turn leaves Mosimane bid in doubt

Hugo Broos is understood to have been offered a new one-year contract by the South African Football Association (Safa), in a move that would keep the 74-year-old Belgian in charge of Bafana Bafana despite an ongoing process to appoint a new coach.

The development could derail expectations that celebrated South African coach Pitso Mosimane was close to landing the national job, and comes after Broos had publicly suggested his time with Bafana was over.

Legendary former Bafana defender Mark Fish says it would be logical for Safa to stick with Broos at least through the next Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) cycle, with qualification for the 2025 Pamoja Afcon – to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania – set to begin in September.

‘It would make sense for him to stay’

Fish, a member of South Africa’s 1996 Afcon-winning side, told the Sowetan that continuity under Broos could help Bafana build on their recent World Cup campaign, where they reached the knockout stage for the first time before losing in the round of 32 to co-hosts Canada in Atlanta.

“We are in a situation where we all thought he was leaving and now he’s staying. I do understand why they want him to stay if they want to push for Afcon,” Fish said.

“At the end of the day, it’s Safa’s decision. To carry on with the continuity we have had, it would make sense for him to stay going into the Afcon.

“I think the players feel the experience of the World Cup has given them more confidence and exposure and they can probably win the Afcon.”

Broos took charge in May 2021 on a five-year contract which officially expired at the end of the recent World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Safa technical committee under pressure

Safa’s technical committee had already been deep into the process of recruiting a successor when the offer of an extension to Broos emerged, with Mosimane widely viewed as the frontrunner.

If Broos accepts the new deal, the committee risks embarrassment after having publicly acknowledged that applications for the job were being considered.

Jack Maluleke, chair of Safa’s technical committee, declined to be drawn on the apparent shift in direction when asked about Broos possibly staying on.

“Let’s not talk about speculation. I will issue an official statement. I previously told you to give us space. We are going to deal with the process of hiring a new coach. These other things we don’t know,” Maluleke said.

Safa chief executive Lydia Monyepao could not be reached for comment.

Broos open to new Safa role

The Sowetan reports that, despite telling Belgian outlet Voetbalnieuws several weeks ago that he would be leaving the Bafana job, Broos has since indicated he is willing to continue working within South African football.

When the national team returned from the World Cup, he is said to have made clear he would be open to taking up another role within Safa’s structures.

That openness, combined with player support and Afcon qualification looming, appears to have prompted a rethink within Safa, which had initially prepared to move on from the veteran coach once his contract ended.

Afcon push shapes decision

With Afcon qualifiers starting in just a few months, the question of whether to pursue stability or usher in a new era under a fresh coach has become increasingly urgent.

Fish believes the players’ enhanced belief – after the historic World Cup knockout-stage appearance – has strengthened the case for keeping Broos, at least through the Afcon campaign.

The final decision now rests with Safa’s leadership, who must weigh the benefits of continuity against the public expectation surrounding Mosimane and the technical committee’s earlier recruitment drive.

An official announcement is expected once Safa concludes its internal discussions, but for now the future of the Bafana Bafana dugout remains unresolved – with Broos suddenly back in pole position.