Bafana Bafana’s Broos decision on retirement: ‘I’m as motivated as 30 years ago’

Bafana Bafana tactician Hugo Broos has played down suggestions that he will continue coaching even after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 74-year-old Belgian has been at the helm of the South Africa national team since mid 2021, when he replaced Molefi Ntseki who had failed to help the team qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Since taking over, Broos has helped Bafana Bafana play in back-to-back AFCONs and helped Mzansi to qualify for the World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11. The country is in Group A alongside Mexico, the Czech Republic, and the Republic of South Korea.

The former Belgium international stated he will retire after the World Cup, but later reports suggested he might consider continuing for one more year or so.

Broos opens up on Bafana Bafana future

“No, they are not changed. I will stop and it’s not because of South Africa or just because I’m 74. Since I was 36 I have been a coach so you can count and you feel that there are some things of the job you do it but sometimes I have to push myself to do it and when that happens then you have to decide, oh you are at the end,” Broos told MSW on 94.7.

“For me, yeah I couldn’t dream a nicer end of my career than going to the World Cup and then say, ‘okay guys thank you very much now it’s finished’ the job of coach is done.

“The only thing I want is if it’s possible to stay in football but not anymore being occupied 24 hours on 24 hours, seven on seven days with football. The last sprint now, but I’m as motivated as 30 years ago to do it well. I want to stop with a beautiful moment.

“Passing the group stages in the World Cup. We’ll pass the group stages. I believe South Africa can,” the former Cameroon coach concluded.