Bafana boost for Pitso Mosimane? SAFA’s preference for Hugo Broos’ replacement revealed

Pitso Mosimane and Helman Mkhalele may have received a boost in their quest to replace Hugo Broos as Bafana Bafana coach.

This is following reports that the South African Football Association (SAFA) is set to favour a local candidate for the job when Broos steps down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Broos, who signed a five-year contract in May 2021, has informed SAFA of his intention to retire following the tournament. However, sources suggest the Belgian manager might still be persuaded to extend his stay.

This sentiment was echoed by SAFA President Danny Jordaan during a recent partnership announcement. Jordaan highlighted coaching stability as a key factor in the national team’s recent achievements.

SAFA still keen on Hugo Boost

“One of the things that has delivered success for our national teams… is simple,” Jordaan stated. “We have not changed coaches over the last four years or before the expiry of their contracts. Hugo Broos has been serving his contract, and we still need to discuss the future with him.”

“He has indicated that by the end of his contract he will have reached retirement age, but we still have a conversation to have,” he added.

An inside source at SAFA confirmed to Sportswire that succession planning has not yet commenced, as the possibility of Broos remaining as head coach beyond the World Cup is still on the table.

Having taken the reins from Molefi Ntseki, Broos is now the longest-serving Bafana Bafana coach in the modern era. Under his guidance, South Africa achieved back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifications for the 2023 and 2025 tournaments.

Mosimane’s Bafana chances increase?

His tenure has been marked by significant milestones, including a bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast—the nation’s first podium finish in 24 years. He also successfully guided Bafana Bafana to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their first qualification on merit since 2002.

The revelation that SAFA favours a local could see Mosimane, who has expressed a desire to take over from Broos, have an easy race but he faces competition from Mkhalele, who has the backing of the veteran Belgian coach as well as a number of Bafana Bafana legends.

Before the global showpiece, Broos will lead the team in two upcoming international friendlies against Panama, scheduled for March 27 at Moses Mabhida Stadium and four days later at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

Regardless of his final decision, Broos’s direct approach and impactful results have already cemented his legacy as one of the most influential coaches in recent South African football history.