Hugo Broos to leave Bafana Bafana after five-year reign

Hugo Broos will not continue as coach of South Africa’s national team, SAFA president Danny Jordaan confirmed on Friday afternoon.

The Belgian’s departure brings an end to a five-year spell in charge of Bafana Bafana, during which he helped restore the team’s reputation in African football and guided them to notable success on the international stage.

Broos took over as South Africa coach in 2021. Under his leadership, Bafana Bafana finished third at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast and reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time.

His future had been the subject of speculation in recent days, with suggestions that he had agreed to extend his contract by a further year. However, Jordaan confirmed that Broos would not remain in the role.

The decision opens the way for SAFA to appoint a new coach, although Broos leaves after a period in which South Africa made significant progress.

Speaking at a press conference at SAFA House on Friday afternoon, Broos explained that his decision was motivated by personal reasons rather than dissatisfaction with his work or results with the national team.

“I am proud that I am the coach over the last 32 years who stayed until the end of his contract. That means you did a great job, otherwise you can’t stay five years in the same team working in the same organisation So, it made me extremely proud that I could achieve that,” Broos told media.

He said the demands of the job, particularly the time spent away from those closest to him, had become increasingly difficult.

“On the other side, the past days have been very sad for me because the lonely moments and the long periods I was away from my family became difficult for me, and that’s the only reason why I leave Bafana Bafana.”

Broos’ tenure has been regarded as a turnaround period for South Africa, who regained respect across the continent during his time in charge. Their run to the semi-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations was followed by their first progress to the FIFA World Cup knockout stages.

The South African Football Association’s executive committee is expected to meet next Saturday to discuss Broos’ successor.

Former Bafana Bafana manager Pitso Mosimane is believed to be the leading candidate for the position. Any new appointment will come with the challenge of building on the progress made under Broos and filling the vacancy left by a coach who completed his contract after five years with the national team.