Hugo Broos reveals emotional cost of Bafana Bafana exit

Former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has revealed that his decision to step down had a greater impact on those around him than he initially expected.

The 74-year-old Belgian spent five years in charge of South Africa and became one of the most successful coaches in the national team’s history.

Broos guided Bafana Bafana to a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before leading the team to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America – their first appearance in the last 32 of the tournament.

Despite his success, Broos decided to leave the role, partly because he wanted to return to Belgium and spend more time with his family after five years in South Africa.

However, he has admitted that walking away was not an easy decision after realising how his departure would affect members of his backroom team and other staff.

“I had underestimated that. The closer the end came, the more people asked me not to stop. People have lost their jobs now because I’m not continuing,” Broos told Het Nieuwsblad.

Broos said his driver was among those affected by his departure, while assistant coach Helman Mkhalele also decided against remaining with the national team without him.

“My driver, for example – in South Africa, they are cowboys on the road. My assistant coach, Helman Mkhalele, too,” he said.

Mkhalele, a former South Africa international who was nicknamed “Midnight Express” during his playing career because of his speed, had worked closely with Broos during his tenure.

Broos revealed that even his wife was moved by Mkhalele’s situation and suggested he consider remaining in South Africa in another role.

“He didn’t want to stay without me. A popular former international, by the way. Midnight Express was his nickname as a player,” Broos said.

“My wife knows Helman and also felt compassion. ‘If you can stay for another year in a different role, with Helman as coach, then go ahead and do that’.”

Broos’ departure brings an end to a successful five-year spell in charge of Bafana Bafana, during which he helped restore the team to prominence on the continental and global stage.