Safa urged to protect Hugo Broos’ progress in next Bafana Bafana appointment

Safa must resist appointing Molefi Ntseki as a short-term solution and should instead find an experienced coach capable of preserving and extending the standards established by Hugo Broos.

Broos left his position as Bafana Bafana coach last month after a highly successful five-year tenure. Under the Belgian, South Africa qualified for successive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, won bronze at the delayed 2023 edition and returned to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the competition in 2010.

Bafana Bafana also made history at the global finals by reaching the knockout stage for the first time. Their achievement matched the progress made by South Africa’s women’s and junior teams, Banyana Banyana and Amajita.

Broos’ influence extended beyond results. He created a squad built around competitiveness, discipline – including away from the pitch – and team unity, while ensuring that club loyalties did not undermine the national team.

His replacement was therefore expected to strengthen that platform rather than dismantle it. After a prolonged period without clarity, Safa confirmed that its national executive committee had made an offer to Pitso Mosimane to succeed Broos.

The proposal has divided opinion. Some believe Mosimane has already failed in the role and could attempt to impose his own methods instead of continuing Broos’ work. Others argue that he has developed as a coach and remains highly qualified for the position.

Mosimane’s record and international experience, including his work in North Africa and the Middle East, make him a compelling candidate. The obstacle for Safa, however, is the cost of securing him.

His agency, MT Sports Marketing and Management, initially rejected Safa’s offer of R5 million a year. That decision was considered understandable because Mosimane would reportedly earn significantly less than the R1.4 million annual salary received by Broos.

Safa subsequently improved its proposal to R10 million, and MT Sports is reported to have accepted it on the condition that Mosimane’s assistants, including Musi Matlaba and Kabelo Rangoaga, are also given permanent contracts.

The negotiations have since stalled. Safa reportedly wants Mosimane and his staff to work on “per call” agreements, while keeping some members of Broos’ backroom team, including Helman Mkhalele, in place. The association has cited development and continuity as reasons for its position.

With neither side apparently willing to compromise, reports suggest Safa is considering asking its current technical director, Molefi Ntseki, to take charge for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin next month.

That would represent a major risk.

Ntseki previously lost the Bafana Bafana job after the team failed to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Broos replaced him and subsequently guided the side to its strongest period in years.

Mosimane, meanwhile, has continued to build his reputation since leaving Safa, including a successful spell at Al Ahly, described as Africa’s Club of the Century. Ntseki’s more recent experience includes a difficult season at Kaizer Chiefs, where he was dismissed after only one campaign as head coach.

Safa may be looking for an internal appointment to provide an immediate answer before qualifying begins, but a temporary solution should not come at the cost of the progress made under Broos. Returning to an “ex” who previously failed would be the wrong way to protect the national team, even if the intention is “getting someone who’s internal”.

If Safa is serious about maintaining Bafana Bafana’s momentum, it should appoint a coach familiar with the pressure and demands of the job and capable of preserving Broos’ legacy. Gordon Igesund could be one possible option.

Broos has reportedly rejected an offer to return temporarily while Safa continues negotiations with Mosimane’s representatives. He could nevertheless provide advice to whoever takes charge on an interim basis, despite previously saying he would not tell his successor what to do after leaving the post.