South Africa: Hugo Broos Steps Down as Bafana Bafana Head Coach

South Africa's Hugo Broos end five-year reign as head coach of Bafana Bafana

The announcement was made official during a press conference at SAFA House, where the 74-year-old bid an emotional farewell to the national team he transformed from perennial underachievers into one of the continent's most competitive sides. SAFA president Danny Jordaan confirmed the departure, bringing the curtain down on the longest tenure of any Bafana coach since the country's readmission to international football in 1992.

Broos, who took charge in May 2021 after replacing Molefi Ntseki, leaves behind a legacy few could have predicted at the start of his tenure. Over 60 matches in charge, he guided the side to 26 wins, 22 draws and 12 losses, steadily rebuilding both the results and the reputation of a team that had long been the subject of ridicule among South African football fans.

A Historic Five-Year Legacy

The Belgian's defining achievement came in 2024, when he led Bafana Bafana to a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast — the country's first AFCON semi-final appearance in more than two decades. He followed that with back-to-back AFCON qualifications and, most remarkably, steered South Africa to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the nation's first appearance at the tournament since hosting it in 2010.

At the World Cup itself, held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Broos delivered arguably his crowning moment, guiding the team beyond the group stage and into the Round of 32 for the first time in the nation's history. It was a campaign that reignited public enthusiasm for the national side and cemented Broos' standing among the most impactful coaches to have led an African nation.

Beyond the results, Broos was widely credited with backing youth development, handing international debuts to a wave of emerging talents who have since become mainstays of the squad. That willingness to trust young players is seen by many observers as part of the foundation his successor will inherit.

Why He Chose to Walk Away

Broos had signalled his intention to retire even before the World Cup, citing his age and a desire to spend more time with his family in Belgium. Speculation over a possible U-turn followed South Africa's impressive tournament run, with reports suggesting SAFA had offered him a one-year extension through the 2027 AFCON. In the end, the veteran coach turned down the offer, saying he did not want to, in his own words, "die on the bench" after nearly four decades in management.

Speaking about his decision, Broos said homesickness and time away from his family had weighed heavily on him throughout his tenure. He has, however, left the door open to remaining involved with South African football in a different capacity, potentially in an advisory or scouting role with SAFA.

What Comes Next for Bafana Bafana

Attention now turns to who will replace Broos in the Bafana Bafana hot seat. SAFA faces a pressing deadline, with the team set to begin its 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign in September, in a group featuring Guinea, Kenya and Eritrea. Local media reports have named former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane as an early front-runner for the job, alongside other domestic candidates who have impressed in the Betway Premiership.

South Africa's Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has publicly praised Broos' contribution to the game, describing his World Cup achievement as one of the country's greatest footballing moments. Tributes have poured in from players, officials and supporters alike, many crediting the Belgian with restoring pride and ambition to the national team badge.

As SAFA begins its search for a successor, the challenge for whoever takes over will be to build on the platform Broos leaves behind — a squad that has tasted continental success and World Cup football, and a fanbase that, for the first time in years, expects Bafana Bafana to compete rather than merely participate.

Africa Updates will continue to follow developments as SAFA moves to appoint a new Bafana Bafana head coach ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.