Hugo Broos: Bafana coach to mark major milestone during AFCON 2025 opener

Head coach Hugo Broos is set to mark his 50th match in charge of the South African men’s national team when Bafana Bafana kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign against Angola on Monday, 22 December 2025.

The crucial opening fixture will be held at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, with kickoff scheduled for 19:00 South African time. The milestone caps a significant tenure for the Belgian mentor, who has become the longest-serving coach in the team’s history.

Broos was appointed by the South African Football Association (SAFA) on 5 May 2021, and his journey began with a 3-2 friendly victory over Uganda at Orlando Stadium on 10 June 2021. More than four years later, the 73-year-old has overseen a period of notable progress for the 1996 AFCON champions.

Broos has turned around Bafana’s fortunes

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and Lyle Foster. Photo Imago

“Congratulations to coach Hugo for reaching this milestone,” said SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, acknowledging the achievement.

Under Broos’s guidance, Bafana Bafana have climbed from 75th to 61st in the FIFA world rankings, with a spot in the top 50 now a realistic target. His leadership was instrumental in the team securing a bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

Building on that success, Broos and his squad achieved a major goal by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in October 2025. The global tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

What does the Belgian’s record look like?

In May 2025, Broos surpassed the late Clive Barker’s record as Bafana Bafana’s longest-serving coach. Barker, who famously led the team to their 1996 continental title, was at the helm from 1994 to 1998. Broos has now held the position for over four years.

His impressive record stands at 24 wins, 19 draws, and only six losses in 49 matches, making him one of the most successful coaches in the team’s history. Notable victories during his tenure include 4-0 wins against Sierra Leone and Namibia, as well as a dominant 5-0 victory over Congo Brazzaville in an AFCON qualifier.

While Broos has suggested he may step down after the 2026 World Cup, his immediate focus remains on the upcoming AFCON in Morocco. His track record has given the nation confidence that Bafana Bafana can deliver a strong performance before heading to the world stage.