Hugo Broos Confirms Bafana Bafana Exit After Historic Run

Hugo Broos has confirmed that he will step down as Bafana Bafana head coach, bringing an end to one of the most successful coaching spells in the national team’s history.

The announcement came during an interview with Belgian publication voetbalnieuws.be.

The 74-year-old Belgian leaves as the longest-serving head coach of Bafana Bafana, having taken charge in June 2021.

Broos says decision is final

“Will I continue as a coach ​after all? No, it is irreversible! If they need me for something else, perhaps in scouting, that is something else. But football is no longer going to ​be a part of my life 24 hours a day,” Broos ​told voetbalnieuws.be.

“I have already had a conversation with the chairman of the South African ‌Football ⁠Association. He would like to keep me, but in a different role, as an advisor or something like that. I will return at the end of July to say a final farewell. I am curious ​to see what ​he will ⁠propose to me.”

A successful Bafana Bafana tenure

During his five-year tenure, Broos transformed Bafana Bafana into a competitive force on the continental and global stage.

Under his guidance, South Africa qualified for two consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and secured a bronze medal at the 2023 edition in Ivory Coast.

Broos also guided Bafana Bafana to a historic milestone by leading the team to the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time.

SAFA must find a new coach

His departure leaves the South African Football Association with the task of appointing a new head coach ahead of the upcoming AFCON qualifying campaign.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has previously voiced his support for former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane as his preferred candidate to succeed Broos.

End of an era

Broos leaves behind a Bafana Bafana side that rediscovered belief, structure and competitiveness during his time in charge.

While his coaching chapter with the national team is ending, the possibility remains that SAFA could keep him involved in a different role.

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