Middendorp backs Mosimane after Broos warning over Bafana Bafana role

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town Spurs coach Ernst Middendorp has criticised Hugo Broos for publicly questioning Pitso Mosimane’s expected appointment as the next Bafana Bafana head coach.

Mosimane is expected to succeed Broos after negotiations between his representatives and the South African Football Association (SAFA) were reportedly concluded.

Broos’ comments followed a successful spell in charge of Bafana Bafana. The Belgian guided South Africa to a bronze medal at the 2025 AFCON and oversaw the team’s first-ever run to the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup.

However, Broos expressed concern that Mosimane could be “influenced by agents and club owners”. Middendorp has defended Mosimane and said Broos should show greater respect towards the coach who could replace him.

Writing on LinkedIn, Middendorp said Broos appeared to be highlighting his own independence in team selection, particularly his refusal to respond to pressure from agents and club owners.

“Broos argument appears to be that one of his achievements was establishing independence in selection and refusing approaches from agents, and club owners. He says explicitly that when agents contacted him, his response was essentially that he did not deal with them.” Middendorp said on his LinkedIn.

“But then he makes a significant jump: from “this interference exists” to “if Pitso comes, South Africa goes five years backwards.” That is no longer a warning about the system. It becomes a judgement about Pitso Mosimane. And that is where the statement becomes problematic.

“We cannot know his intention unless he explains it himself. But several possibilities are reasonable –He may genuinely be trying to protect what he believes he established during years: independence, a new generation, stability and freedom from external interference.

“His recent farewell comments show that he is extremely proud of the transformation and results achieved. There may also be an element of legacy protection. When a successful coach leaves, it is very easy to think ‘I know why this worked, and if they change the principles I established, they will destroy it.’

“That is understandable psychologically, but it doesn’t necessarily make the public judgement appropriate. Most importantly, Broos hasn’t provided evidence that Mosimane would actually allow agents, or club owners to influence his selections.

“The reporting presents this as Broos’ concern or allegation, not as an established fact about Mosimane. Should a departing coach criticise his possible successor? I say NO. Broos would have been completely entitled to say: “The next Bafana coach must remain independent. There will be pressure from clubs, agents and other interests. Protecting the coach’s sporting authority is essential.

“That would be a valuable message based on years of experience. But saying effectively “appoint Pitso and you lose five years” crosses a different line. It puts pressure on the successor before his first selection, first training session or first match. It also risks creating exactly the unnecessary public narrative that a new national coach does not need.And Mosimane is hardly an inexperienced coach who needs Broos to explain the political realities of African football.

“The most powerful response from Mosimane would probably be no response at all. No Twitter battle. No counterattack. No discussion about Broos’ personality. No attempt to defend his reputation.If asked by journalists, something as simple as:“I respect what Hugo Broos achieved. My responsibility, if appointed, is to take the team forward.” And finish there.That would demonstrate something important in itself: leadership maturity.

“Broos deserves considerable respect for what he achieved. But leaving successfully also involves knowing when the team is no longer yours. You can protect principles and warn about structural problems without publicly undermining the person who may sit in your chair next!!”

Middendorp argued that Broos could have warned about the risks of outside influence without directly attacking Mosimane’s suitability for the position.

He said Mosimane, who has extensive experience in African football, did not need Broos to explain the political realities surrounding the game. Middendorp also suggested that the strongest response from Mosimane would be to avoid a public dispute and simply acknowledge Broos’ achievements while focusing on taking Bafana Bafana forward.

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