Hugo Broos ends Bafana Bafana reign, open to new role in SAFA

Ademola Abayomi

Hugo Broos has confirmed that he will step down as South Africa head coach after more than five years in the role, but remains open to continuing with the South African Football Association in a different capacity.

Hugo Broos has announced the end of his tenure as Bafana Bafana head coach, ending a five-year spell that saw him become the longest-serving coach of the South African national team. The 74-year-old Belgian confirmed his decision to retire from coaching but revealed he could remain with the South African Football Association (SAFA) in an advisory or scouting role after talks with federation president Danny Jordaan.

Broos, who took over in June 2021, has overseen one of the most successful periods in South African football in recent years. He guided Bafana Bafana to a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and led the team to its first appearance in the World Cup knockout stages. Speaking to Belgian publication Voetbalnieuws, Broos insisted his coaching career is over, but admitted he would welcome the opportunity to continue contributing to South African football.

“Will I still be a coach after all? No, it’s irreversible. If they need me for something else, maybe as a scout, that’s another thing. But football will no longer be part of my life 24 hours a day,” Broos said. He added that Jordaan has expressed interest in keeping him involved in an advisory or other technical role, and further talks are expected when he returns to South Africa later this month.

Broos also revealed that his wife welcomed his decision to retire, although he joked that he shouldn’t spend all his time at home. The veteran coach said he would be happy to return to South Africa every few months if it meant helping shape the future of the national team beyond his time on the touchline.