REVEALED: Danny Jordaan made last-ditch attempt to keep Hugo Broos as Bafana Bafana coach

South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan made a late attempt to convince Hugo Broos to remain in charge of Bafana Bafana, despite the Belgian having already decided to leave after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Broos had planned to use the tournament as the final chapter of his coaching career, believing the World Cup would provide the ideal opportunity to step away from international football. However, those plans were thrown into doubt during his final days in South Africa after Jordaan offered him the chance to return whenever he wanted.

The Belgian revealed that Jordaan’s intervention left him seriously reconsidering his decision to leave, even though he had already begun preparing for life away from Bafana Bafana.

Jordaan’s open invitation changed everything

Speaking to Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, Broos disclosed the unusual offer made by the SAFA president.

“The federation president even said: ‘We understand that you miss your family. Just write down when you want to come.’”

The invitation came at a time when Broos was attempting to complete his final duties with the national team. Rather than closing the door on his tenure, Jordaan effectively left it open for the veteran coach to return.

Broos admitted the proposal had a significant impact on his thinking and revealed that he only began seriously considering a return shortly before his final match.

“So only a week before the match did I consider returning to South Africa,” he revealed.

The uncertainty continued throughout his final week, with the 74-year-old repeatedly changing his mind about whether to remain with Bafana Bafana.

“During that week, when I was there to wrap everything up, I changed my mind at least 10 times.”

Broos ultimately chose to walk away

Despite SAFA’s willingness to retain him, Broos eventually decided against prolonging his stay in South Africa.

The Belgian explained that he would have felt uncomfortable asking for another position after publicly announcing his intention to leave. Having already communicated his decision, he also felt the physical and personal demands of managing Bafana Bafana for several years had taken their toll.

Broos therefore returned to Belgium after overseeing one of the strongest periods in recent Bafana Bafana history.

Under his leadership, South Africa secured a third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations and advanced to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time.

Mosimane set to take over from Broos

With Broos now moving on, former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane is expected to be named his successor.

Mosimane boasts an impressive record across the continent, having won 20 major trophies during his managerial career.

His most successful spell came at Sundowns, where he won five PSL titles and guided the club to the 2016 CAF Champions League crown, a triumph that earned him the CAF Coach of the Year award.

He later enjoyed further continental success with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, leading them to consecutive CAF Champions League titles in 2020 and 2021, as well as two FIFA Club World Cup bronze medals.