Hugo Broos confirms coaching retirement despite multiple interests

Former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has confirmed his retirement from professional coaching, despite revealing that he was approached about taking charge of Ivory Coast.

The Belgian coach, 74, ended his successful five-year spell with South Africa in July after guiding the team through a period of significant progress.

Broos led Bafana Bafana to a bronze-medal finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), their first podium finish at the tournament since 2000.

He also guided South Africa to qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, securing their first appearance at the tournament since hosting it in 2010.

Broos went on to make further history at the World Cup by leading Bafana Bafana into the knockout stages for the first time.

Despite his achievements, Broos says he has no intention of returning to management.

“I’ve never had a life like this. No worries, no phone calls. Get up and see what the day brings. Right now, that’s still going perfectly,” he told Nieuwsblad.

“I know myself. In a few months, this situation is going to become a problem. Not that I want to be a coach again, mind you. That chapter is definitely closed, no matter who calls.”

Broos revealed that he received a call about the Ivory Coast job just two weeks ago but insisted he would have considered the opportunity had it come earlier in his career.

“Fourteen days ago, I got a call to start with Ivory Coast. If that question had come ten years earlier, I would already be in Ivory Coast,” he added.

Broos’ decision brings an end to a coaching career spanning several decades, with his most recent success coming during his time in charge of South Africa.