SAFA sets end-of-month target to confirm next Bafana Bafana head coach

South African Football Association (SAFA) technical director Molefi Ntseki says a decision on who will coach Bafana Bafana next is expected by the end of this month or the start of next, as uncertainty continues to surround the future of current head coach Hugo Broos.

Speaking at the launch of Pitso Mosimane’s book in Sandton last Thursday, Ntseki acknowledged that there is growing impatience both inside and outside the organisation, but insisted SAFA would not rush the process.

“I think yes, it’s everybody’s interest. Even with me, I’m also interested to see who’s coming in and when is he coming in,” Ntseki said.

He explained that the association is intent on completing a full recruitment and review process rather than making a hasty appointment.

“But the processes are the ones that are holding us back because we don’t just hit hand or maybe appoint anybody without having a proper audit of the interviews that has to be conducted. So it is the process itself that is taking this long. But I think by the end of the month or beginning of next month we should be having a coach because from the technical division we have got a plan,” he added.

Preparation time key before AFCON qualifiers

The push to finalise the coaching position comes ahead of a congested run of fixtures later this year, when qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations gets under way.

Ntseki underlined that whoever leads Bafana Bafana into that campaign must be in place early enough to assess players and build towards a demanding schedule.

“That coach has to start scouting and preparing for the qualifiers because the qualifiers will happen. Six games will be played between September and December. So that is why it is important for whoever will be coming in has to start and then hit the ground running,” he said.

Bafana Bafana are set to play all six of their AFCON qualifying fixtures in that September-to-December window, leaving little room for a new coach to settle.

Ongoing uncertainty over Hugo Broos

Ntseki’s comments come against the backdrop of mixed messages about the position of current head coach Broos.

The Belgian, who led Bafana Bafana to a third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, had previously suggested that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would probably be his final tournament in charge of South Africa. That impression was strengthened by reports in the Belgian media stating he intended to step down after the competition.

SAFA, however, moved to challenge those reports, insisting that no such decision had been confirmed.

The picture was further clouded when separate reports surfaced claiming Broos had agreed a one-year contract extension to remain as Bafana Bafana coach. SAFA again intervened, denying that any agreement on an extension had been concluded.

These conflicting accounts have left supporters unsure whether Broos will continue to lead the national team or whether SAFA is preparing to hand the reins to a new coach.

Clarity expected before crucial campaign

Ntseki’s latest indication of a clear timeline suggests the situation is edging towards resolution.

If SAFA meets the schedule outlined by its technical director, Bafana Bafana’s head coach for the next phase – whether that is Broos or a successor – should be confirmed before preparations intensify for the six 2027 AFCON qualifying matches set to be played between September and December.

Ntseki stressed that from the technical division’s side, planning is already in place, and that the coach’s appointment is the final piece needed before South Africa embark on what is expected to be a pivotal period in their international calendar.