South African FA chief Danny Jordaan bristles at questions over vacant Bafana Bafana coaching job

South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan reacted angrily when pressed about the vacant Bafana Bafana head coach position, insisting the national team “must wait” while the organisation focuses on women’s football and other priorities.

Jordaan was speaking at a media briefing on Monday ahead of the Olympic football tournament, when he was asked whether an announcement would be made this week on Hugo Broos’ successor.

The 72-year-old rejected the line of questioning, saying it was inappropriate given the occasion and stressing that SAFA would not be rushed into appointing a new senior men’s national team coach.

“South Africa must wait”

Video from the press conference shows Jordaan’s tone shifting sharply after a reporter raised the Bafana Bafana vacancy. He responded curtly: “I told you about this thing of Bafana Bafana, South Africa must wait.”

He made it clear he did not want to dwell on the issue, pointing out that the briefing had been called to highlight other aspects of SAFA’s work and upcoming competitions.

Jordaan’s irritation underscored the scrutiny facing SAFA following the departure of Hugo Broos, who left his role after taking Bafana Bafana to a third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The position has remained unfilled, prompting growing public and media interest.

Focus on women’s football and Olympics

During the same engagement, Jordaan repeatedly steered the conversation back to SAFA’s wider strategic focus, including the women’s game and the national teams heading into major tournaments.

He highlighted the importance of continued support for Banyana Banyana and youth national sides, and underlined the significance of the forthcoming Olympic football competition for South African football’s long-term development.

Jordaan argued that the federation’s planning covered all national teams and age groups, and suggested that debate around the Bafana Bafana coach was overshadowing those broader objectives.

The SAFA president did not provide any fresh detail on the selection process for the new senior men’s coach, the shortlist of candidates or a specific timeline for an announcement, beyond reiterating that discussions were ongoing.

Tense exchange with media

The exchange over the Bafana Bafana vacancy added a tense note to what had been scheduled as a routine media briefing.

Jordaan appeared increasingly frustrated as journalists tried to seek clarity on when the appointment would be finalised. He signalled that, from SAFA’s perspective, this was not the moment to provide updates, insisting that the federation’s current priority lay elsewhere.

While he did not criticise the media directly, his comments reflected a clear desire to push back against mounting pressure for an immediate resolution.

Ongoing uncertainty over Bafana future

The national team remains without a permanent head coach following Broos’ exit, with uncertainty persisting over who will lead Bafana Bafana into their next competitive fixtures.

Jordaan’s stance that “South Africa must wait” suggests SAFA is prepared to take more time before making a final decision, even as questions continue to be asked about planning for upcoming World Cup qualifiers and future Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.

No further official communication on the Bafana Bafana coaching situation was issued following the briefing, leaving supporters and observers still waiting for clarity on the direction of the men’s national team.