South Africa begin new era as Hugo Broos leaves post after World Cup breakthrough

Hugo Broos has officially stepped down as South Africa manager after the Belgian’s contract expired, bringing an end to a notable spell of more than five years in charge of Bafana Bafana.

The 74-year-old leaves after guiding South Africa to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in the country’s history this summer. Their campaign ended in the round of 32 with a defeat by Canada.

Broos confirmed his decision at a news conference held to announce that he would not extend his contract. He said the prolonged periods away from his family, along with the difficult times he experienced alone in South Africa, had influenced his decision.

“Being away from my family for such a long time and the difficult moments I spent alone in South Africa are what led me to make this difficult decision,” Broos said.

His comments also suggested that he may consider ending his managerial career altogether and devoting more time to his personal life.

The announcement followed a period of uncertainty in July, when the South African Football Association issued two separate statements denying reports that Broos had been dismissed or that he had been offered a one-year contract extension.

South African Football Association paid tribute to Broos in a message posted on its official account on X.

“Thank you, coach Hugo Broos… A grateful nation salutes you. Today, as we witness your stepping down from your position, we pause to express our deepest and most sincere gratitude for everything you have done for football in South Africa,” the association said.

Broos took charge in 2021, after South Africa had failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. He subsequently restored the team to the continental podium by leading Bafana Bafana to a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

He also guided South Africa to the most recent World Cup finals through the qualifying competition for the first time since 2002. At the tournament, they finished second in Group A to reach the round of 32, beating South Korea 1-0 and drawing 1-1 with Czechia.

Their World Cup run ended with a 1-0 defeat by hosts Canada.

South Africa will start the next chapter without Broos in September, when they begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Guinea. His departure marks the end of a tenure that combined a return to the World Cup finals, a historic run to the tournament’s knockout stage and South Africa’s first Africa Cup of Nations medal since he took charge.