Hugo Broos retires after ending successful South Africa tenure

Hugo Broos has ended his time as South Africa head coach and announced his retirement from football, saying long periods away from his family and “lonely moments in South Africa” influenced his decision.

The 74-year-old Belgian confirmed his departure during an emotional press conference at SAFA House on Friday, bringing months of uncertainty over his future to an end. Broos fought back tears as he explained why he would not extend his contract with Bafana Bafana.

“My long absence from my family and lonely moments in South Africa have led me to make this difficult decision,” Broos said.

“Qualifying for the World Cup 40 years after my participation with the Belgium national team as a player in 1986 brought everything full circle and that’s why I will not be extending my contract with Bafana Bafana.”

Broos took charge of South Africa in 2021 and leaves after overseeing one of the most successful periods in the national team’s recent history. He guided Bafana Bafana to consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments before helping them qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010.

His final assignment came at the 2026 World Cup in North America. South Africa reached the Round of 32 before being eliminated by Canada, securing the country’s best World Cup campaign since it hosted the competition in 2010.

During his five-year spell, Broos also rebuilt the squad around a younger generation and brought back a competitive identity that had been absent for several years. His work restored confidence within the team and among supporters, while South Africa returned to both the continental and global stages.

South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan paid tribute to Broos, whose previous major achievement had been leading Cameroon to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations title.

“Hugo Broos, thank you very much. You delivered for Cameroon and now you’ve delivered for us,” Jordaan said.

“It was because of your work in Cameroon that we believed you could do it for us and true to form, you’ve done exactly that for us and for that, we’ll forever be grateful.”

SAFA chief executive Lydia Monyepao also praised the Belgian’s contribution and said he had transformed the national team’s fortunes after his arrival.

“I want to express our appreciation for the meaningful and lasting contribution you’ve made to South African football,” Monyepao said.

“When you arrived in 2021 Bafana was not performing at the level it should and this was clear with public commentary and decline in stadium attendance.”

“You brought with you a clear vision and defined purpose to restore the team to a position of pride and competitiveness.”

SAFA must now begin the search for Broos’ successor. The new coach is expected to take charge before the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers begin in September.

The incoming manager will inherit a squad that has regained its place in African football and re-established South Africa on the world stage through World Cup qualification.

Broos arrived with a reputation built on his success with Cameroon and leaves having revived Bafana Bafana’s fortunes. His tenure included Africa Cup of Nations qualification, a return to the FIFA World Cup and the country’s strongest tournament performance since 2010.

He will now return to Belgium to begin his retirement, ending a coaching career that lasted more than four decades. His time in South Africa, including his appearance with SAFA president Danny Jordaan at Friday’s announcement, leaves a legacy few foreign coaches have matched in the country’s football history.