Herve Renard emerges as leading candidate for South Africa job after Broos retirement decision

South Africa’s football authorities have made Herve Renard their top target to succeed Hugo Broos as national team coach, as the Belgian prepares to step down after the 2026 World Cup.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) is moving to “turn the page” on the Broos era, with the aim of appointing a new Bafana Bafana boss before the start of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying in September, according to French outlet Foot Mercato.

Renard, twice an Afcon winner and one of the most sought-after coaches in the international game, is understood to be high on the list of candidates for the “Rainbow Nation”.

The Frenchman recently had a short spell in charge of Tunisia during the 2026 World Cup, and is now expected to return to a permanent post on the international stage.

Renard lined up to continue Broos legacy

Hugo Broos, who led South Africa to a resurgence on the continent, has already announced that he will retire from international coaching after the 2026 World Cup, creating one of the most attractive vacancies in African football.

Foot Mercato reports that SAFA views Renard as the ideal figure to build on Broos’ work and keep Bafana Bafana competitive as a leading African side.

Renard has a long history on the continent, most notably winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia in 2012 and with Ivory Coast in 2015. His track record of transforming national teams and delivering tournament success is seen as a major draw for South African officials.

The appointment, if completed, would see one Afcon-winning coach follow another, underlining South Africa’s ambition to maintain a high level of expertise in the dugout.

Senegal, Algeria and South Korea also monitoring

However, South Africa are not alone in their pursuit.

The same report suggests that several other federations are tracking the 55-year-old coach. Senegal are considering Renard as an option to replace Pape Thiaw at the helm of the Lions of Teranga.

Algeria are also said to be interested, as they weigh up their own coaching options following recent disappointments in major competitions.

Outside Africa, South Korea are reported to be monitoring Renard’s situation as they seek an experienced international manager capable of navigating World Cup cycles and Asian Cup campaigns.

With multiple nations circling, SAFA is under pressure to move quickly if it wants to secure Renard’s signature before the Afcon 2027 qualifying campaign begins.

Decision expected before Afcon 2027 qualifiers

No formal announcement has yet been made by the South African federation, but the intention is to have Broos’ successor in place well ahead of September’s qualifiers to ensure a smooth transition.

Renard’s next move is likely to be one of the most closely watched coaching decisions in international football over the coming months, with his eventual destination potentially reshaping the balance of power both in African football and beyond.