Mokwena, McCarthy out of Bafana coaching race as SAFA shortlists Hugo Broos’ successor

Rulani Mokwena and Benni McCarthy are not in contention to become the next head coach of Bafana Bafana, despite widespread speculation linking both men with the position, as the South African Football Association (SAFA) intensifies its search for Hugo Broos’ successor.

Broos’ five-year spell as South Africa’s head coach has come to an end following the team’s historic run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Bafana Bafana advanced beyond the group stage for the first time.

Although there have been suggestions that the Belgian could remain involved with SAFA in another role—or even continue as national team coach—his future remains undecided.

The former Cameroon boss had previously announced that he intended to retire from coaching after the World Cup. However, he has since indicated that he will make a final decision on his future in the coming weeks.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Broos, SAFA has already begun reviewing applications from coaches interested in taking charge of the national team.

The association aims to appoint a new head coach by August 1 to allow sufficient preparation ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin in September.

Among the high-profile applicants is Pitso Mosimane, who has formally expressed interest in returning to the Bafana dugout. Mosimane previously managed the national team between 2010 and 2012 but has since established himself as one of Africa’s most decorated coaches.

The 61-year-old guided Mamelodi Sundowns to the CAF Champions League title before winning the competition twice with Al Ahly. He also led the Egyptian giants to three FIFA Club World Cup finals and has enjoyed coaching spells in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran.

Mosimane’s bid has received public backing from South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, who has openly endorsed his appointment.

Meanwhile, Mokwena has ruled himself out of the running. The 39-year-old, who currently manages Libyan club Al Ittihad after taking charge in March, has not submitted an application for the national team role.

Having built his coaching career exclusively in club football with stints at Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Wydad Casablanca and MC Alger before moving to Libya, Mokwena has yet to coach at international level.

Similarly, Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy is also not among the candidates under consideration. Despite persistent reports linking South Africa’s all-time leading scorer with the vacancy, the former Manchester United first-team coach has not applied for the position.

McCarthy is currently focused on Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 AFCON, which the country will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania. His role is regarded as central to Kenya’s long-term football project.

Since transitioning into coaching in 2015, McCarthy has steadily enhanced his reputation, including a successful two-year spell as Manchester United’s forwards coach under Erik ten Hag.

One local coach who has entered the race is Arthur Zwane. The AmaZulu FC head coach has officially applied for the Bafana position after guiding Usuthu to a fourth-place finish in the Betway Premiership and qualification for the MTN8 last season.

Zwane is no stranger to the national team environment, having previously served as assistant coach under Molefi Ntseki before Broos took charge.

Although he has revitalised AmaZulu since arriving at the club, he is still chasing the achievements recorded by McCarthy, who famously led Usuthu to a runners-up finish and CAF Champions League qualification during the 2020/21 campaign.

With the appointment deadline approaching, SAFA is expected to conclude its selection process within the coming weeks as it looks to build on the progress made under Broos and prepare Bafana Bafana for the next phase of international competition.