Bafana Bafana conditioning coach Kopano Melesi steps down from Hugo Broos’ backroom staff

Kopano Melesi has become the second member of Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana backroom staff to leave his role following South Africa’s recent Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup campaigns.

The conditioning coach confirmed on Thursday that he is stepping away from international football, having worked under Broos during a period in which Bafana Bafana enjoyed notable success at both continental and global level.

Melesi, who was responsible for the squad’s physical preparation, announced his departure on social media platform X, where he shared photographs with the national team and explained he was not exiting football altogether, but pausing his involvement with the international setup.

“I came to leave a mark and I hope I did. It’s been an honour to represent South Africa and compete at the highest level. I am not leaving the sport I am just taking a much needed break from international duty,” he wrote.

He signed off his message with: “Bafana thank you, it’s been real”.

Second staff exit under Broos

Melesi’s decision follows the earlier departure of former analyst Sinesipho Mali from the Bafana Bafana technical team, making him the second member of Broos’ support staff to move on in quick succession.

During his time with the national side, Melesi was part of the group credited with underpinning Bafana Bafana’s strong physical performances at the Africa Cup of Nations and at the recently completed FIFA World Cup.

While he did not give further details about his reasons for stepping down, Melesi stressed in his post that the move represented a break from the demands of international football rather than a permanent exit from the sport.

“Alright team ‘Sub me off’,” he wrote at the start of his message, using a football phrase to frame his decision to leave his role with the national side.

The South African Football Association has not yet issued a statement regarding Melesi’s departure or potential changes to Broos’ technical staff.

Melesi’s exit comes after a period in which Bafana Bafana’s improved fitness and conditioning had been highlighted as one of the key factors behind the team’s competitive showings at major tournaments.

Broos and his staff will now need to adjust their preparations for upcoming fixtures without a figure who has been a consistent presence in the physical conditioning department throughout these recent campaigns.