Bafana legend Mark Fish names his preferred successor to Hugo Broos

Bafana Bafana legend Mark Fish has also weighed on the debate over who is the most preferred man to take over from coach Hugo Broos.

Broos has already made it clear that he plans to retire from coaching after leading South Africa to the 2026 World Cup and gone ahead to name his preferred successor.

The Belgian tactician feels his assistant Helman Mkhalele is cut for the job, claiming the former South African international “thinks 95 per cent just like him.”

Who is Mark Fish picking for Bafana job?

Commenting on the issue, Fish, who was part of the Class of 1996 that won that year’s Africa Cup of Nations also thinks Mkhalele is the right man to take over, having worked closely with Broos during a time when South African football has witnessed a renaissance.

“We can’t underestimate the importance of what Helman [Mkhalele] has done alongside Broos,” Fish said as quoted by Sowetan Live.

“We’ve seen the success of the team, and Helman has been a key part of that. Why not give him a chance? Our junior national teams are qualifying for World Cups, so we finally have some continuity in our football. Why not have that at the highest level of the national team? 

“The suggestion about upgrading [coaching badges] is something Helman will need to take seriously. He knows the players, and he’s done a phenomenal job as a link between the players and Broos. He’s someone that can be trusted.”

Mkhalele has one key hurdle to overcome

Mkhalele has been Broos’ assistant since the veteran coach took over in May 2021 with South Africa going on to finish third at AFCON 2023, qualifying for the 2025 edition, while they finally sealed a place at the 2026 World Cup, a first one since 2002.

There has also been an improvement in results with Bafana Bafana unbeaten since AFCON 2023 while the standards of their displays have improved and there is discipline among the players.

However, Mkhalele has one factor hindering him given he has a CAF B Coaching License when a CAF A or Pro License is needed to coach a senior national team and it remains to be seen how he will navigate that hurdle.

Given the high standards set by Broos, SAFA have a tough time finding a replacement who will maintain the same level of performances and results.