Hugo Broos set to leave Bafana Bafana after rejecting new SAFA deal

Hugo Broos is expected to step down as Bafana Bafana head coach after turning down a contract extension from the South African Football Association (SAFA), bringing an end to a five-year spell in charge of the national team.

The 74-year-old Belgian, who took over in May 2021 and presided over a revival of South Africa’s international fortunes, was offered a new deal that would have kept him in the post until the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

Broos has rejected that proposal, with the timing of the offer and uncertainty around his backroom staff understood to be key factors in his decision. Bafana Bafana’s next fixture is scheduled for 23 September, but the coach was not convinced the offer came early enough to provide clarity and stability ahead of that match.

SAFA has called a press conference at which the association is expected to formally confirm Broos’ departure and outline the next steps as the search begins for his successor.

World Cup return and AFCON consistency

Broos replaced Molefi Ntseki in May 2021 and guided Bafana Bafana to a significant upturn in results and stature on the continent.

Under his leadership, South Africa secured regular qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations and ended a long absence from the FIFA World Cup by clinching a place at the tournament for the first time since the country hosted the finals in 2010.

That qualification run marked one of the most notable achievements of his tenure, restoring Bafana Bafana to the global stage after more than a decade away from football’s showpiece event.

Retirement plans and late contract offer

In the build-up to the World Cup, Broos had already hinted that his coaching career was nearing its end.

He stated in several media interviews that he intended to retire from management after the tournament, pointing to his age and a wish to spend more time with his family.

Despite those public indications, SAFA moved to retain him and tabled an offer that would have extended his stay through the 2027 AFCON cycle. However, the delay in formalising the proposal, combined with questions over the composition of his technical team, played a part in his decision to walk away.

Backroom changes and tributes from players

Broos’ likely exit follows a period of change within the national team’s technical staff.

After the World Cup, head tactical and performance analyst Sinesipho Mali left his role with Bafana Bafana to join AmaZulu ahead of the new season.

On Thursday, conditioning coach Kopano Melesi also announced that he was leaving the national set-up, further underlining the instability around the backroom team.

Several Bafana Bafana players have since taken to social media to pay tribute to Broos, thanking him for his work with the squad and acknowledging his impact during his time as head coach.

Focus shifts to next Bafana coach

With the 2027 AFCON qualifiers drawing nearer and a September international already on the calendar, attention now turns to SAFA’s choice of Broos’ replacement.

The governing body is expected to use the upcoming press conference not only to confirm the Belgian’s departure but also to set out the process for appointing a new head coach to build on the platform he leaves behind.