New Bafana Bafana coach to be decided next Saturday, says Danny Jordaan

The South African Football Association (SAFA) will decide Hugo Broos’ successor at a National Executive Committee meeting next Saturday, president Dr Danny Jordaan has confirmed.

Broos’ five-year spell as Bafana Bafana head coach ended on 31 July, the final day of the initial contract he signed in 2021. The Belgian announced his departure alongside Jordaan, Chief Executive Officer Lydia Monyepao and Technical Director Molefi Ntseki at SAFA House on Friday afternoon.

Speaking about the appointment process, Jordaan said: “We… next week Saturday, we’re having an NEC meeting – and that is where the decision will be taken, that will be next Saturday,”

The timing of Broos’ departure follows several weeks of uncertainty over his position. The 74-year-old had initially told Belgian media that he had retired, prompting SAFA to issue a statement denying those reports.

SAFA subsequently offered Broos a new contract that would have kept him in charge until the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. He rejected the proposed extension, bringing his tenure to an end when his original five-year agreement expired.

Broos’ technical staff will also leave the national team. Kopano Melesi, Grant Johnson and Sinesipho Mali have all announced their departures.

Pitso Mosimane has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Broos as Bafana Bafana prepare for a change in leadership. However, Broos has chosen not to involve himself in the decision, despite previously endorsing Helman Mkhalele as his preferred successor in a succession plan linked to his eventual retirement.

Asked about the identity of the next coach, Broos said: “My apologies but I will not answer that question, I was coach here and that’s it – what happens after me? I think [Jordaan] is the man who has to decide it,”

He added: “I think he knows, he knows very well what he needs, or the qualities needed for the next coach.”

The appointment will therefore be determined by SAFA’s NEC rather than by Broos, who leaves after a five-year period in charge. Jordaan’s confirmation provides a clear timeline for the decision, with the organisation set to consider the candidates at next Saturday’s meeting.

Broos departs after SAFA’s offer of an extension to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations was turned down, while the exits of his technical team leave the incoming coach with a new staff structure to establish. Helman Mkhalele had previously been identified by Broos as part of a possible succession plan, but Broos has now stopped short of making a recommendation for the vacancy and has placed responsibility for the appointment with Jordaan.