Middendorp accuses Broos of undermining Mosimane over Bafana Bafana role

Former Cape Town Spurs head coach Ernst Middendorp has accused Hugo Broos of undermining Pitso Mosimane after the Belgium coach questioned whether his fellow former Bafana Bafana manager should succeed him.

Broos’ interview with Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad has caused widespread reaction in South Africa, with comments attributed to the 74-year-old appearing to oppose Mosimane’s potential return to the national team.

South African Football Association (SAFA) announced a few weeks ago that it had reached an agreement to reappoint Mosimane, who previously managed Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly. The two parties are still negotiating personal terms before the appointment can be finalised.

Broos, who guided Cameroon before taking charge of Bafana Bafana, appeared pessimistic about Mosimane becoming his successor. He reportedly told Het Nieuwsblad that South Africa would be going five years backwards if Mosimane returned to the post.

The Belgian also reportedly said the national team head coach position had previously been influenced by agents, adding that he had refused to engage with them.

Middendorp, writing on LinkedIn, said Broos had moved beyond raising concerns about the structure around the national team and had instead made a direct judgement about Mosimane.

“He says explicitly that when agents contacted him, his response was essentially that he did not deal with them. 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 judgment about Pitso Mosimane,” Middendorp wrote.

The German coach argued that Broos’ comments could place unnecessary pressure on Mosimane before he had even started work, should the former Bafana Bafana coach take over.

“…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.

“Broos deserves considerable respect for what he has 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!” the German coach added.

Mosimane previously led Bafana Bafana before building a highly successful club career with Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly. His possible return comes as SAFA and the coach continue discussions over the final personal terms of an agreement.

Broos’ reported remarks have therefore intensified debate around the transition, with Middendorp maintaining that concerns about agents and football administration should not be used to question the credentials of the coach who may replace him.