Hugo Broos to step down as Bafana Bafana coach after five years in charge

Hugo Broos’ five-year spell as Bafana Bafana head coach will come to an end on Friday, with the Belgian opting to retire from frontline management after talks with South African Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan.

The 72-year-old, who is widely credited with transforming South Africa’s recent fortunes, will formally confirm his departure at a press conference at Safa House on Friday afternoon, where he is expected to bid farewell to the national set-up.

Broos’ contract expires on Friday and he is currently in South Africa, having travelled to the country to attend the funeral of Cape Town Spurs midfielder Jayden Adams last weekend.

Although there was an option for Broos to extend his stay and lead Bafana Bafana through to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) – to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania – he has decided instead to return home and spend more time with his family.

World Cup run proves final chapter

Broos’ last assignment in charge of South Africa was the 2026 Fifa World Cup campaign, where he guided Bafana Bafana to a historic first-ever qualification for the knockout stage of the tournament.

That achievement has been viewed as a key part of the national team’s revival under his stewardship, following several years in which South Africa had struggled to qualify consistently for major tournaments or progress deep into them.

Broos had previously indicated he would retire after the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, but there had been suggestions he might reconsider and continue in the role after Bafana Bafana were eliminated from the competition. Following discussions with Jordaan on Thursday, he has now opted to stand by his original plan to step away.

Afcon bronze and new generation of internationals

One of the major highlights of Broos’ tenure came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where Bafana Bafana claimed a surprise third-place finish despite not being regarded among the pre-tournament favourites.

The run to the semi-finals – and subsequent victory in the third-place play-off – was seen as a significant overachievement and helped re-establish South Africa as a competitive force on the continent.

Broos also oversaw the introduction of a new wave of internationals, handing debuts and meaningful game time to players including Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota, Tshepang Moremi and Thapelo Maseko, as he reshaped the squad during his five years in charge.

Attention turns to successor and Afcon qualifying

Broos’ departure leaves Safa with a key decision to make ahead of the next qualification cycle, with Afcon 2027 qualifiers beginning in September.

Bafana Bafana have been drawn in Group D alongside Guinea, Kenya and Eritrea. South Africa will open their campaign against Guinea and Eritrea, targeting a strong start to boost their chances of reaching a third consecutive Afcon finals.

The vacancy is expected to intensify speculation around Pitso Mosimane, who has been widely reported as one of the leading contenders to take over the national team. The former Bafana Bafana coach, who has enjoyed extensive success at club level in Africa and the Middle East, has frequently been linked with a return to the post.

Backroom changes as Melesi steps aside

There is also change behind the scenes, with long-serving Bafana Bafana physical trainer Kopano Melesi announcing on Thursday that he is stepping back from the national team.

In a message shared on social media, Melesi wrote: “Alright team ‘sub me off’. 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. Bafana, thank you, it’s been real.”

Safa is expected to outline the succession plan following Broos’ departure, as South Africa prepare for a new era after one of the most successful periods in the national team’s recent history.