Hugo Broos confirms Bafana departure as he opens door for SAFA role

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has confirmed that he has officially quit the role after guiding South Africa at the 2026 World Cup.

Broos was widely expected to leave following Bafana’s World Cup exit at the Round of 32 but he has been hinting at staying in recent weeks.

However, the 74-year-old has now ended speculation about his future, making it clear that he will no longer be coaching anymore but he is open to another football role in South Africa.

Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana. — Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana, Image: IMAGO

“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 as quoted by Reuters.

Broos reveals SAFA talks over new role

The Belgian tactician then revealed that he has had talks with SAFA president Danny Jordaan over taking up another role, something he is very keen on.

“I have already had a conversation with the chairman of the South African ‌Football ⁠Association,” he added. “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.”

Hugo Broos and Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at the 2026 World Cup. Image: Imago

Broos, who became Bafana coach in May 2021, leaves as the longest-serving coach of the South African national team, and had a successful tenure that included guiding the team to back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations in 2023 and 2025.

South Africa finished third at AFCON 2023 and exited at the Round of 16 in 2025 but the Belgian also ended the country’s long wait for World Cup qualification when they made it to the 2026 tournament.

Successful tenure with South Africa

Bafana Bafana had last qualified for the World Cup in 2002 and last played at their home tournament in 2010 and in all their three previous appearances, never went past the group stage, until Broos guided them to the Round of 32 in 2026, a historic feat, before losing 1-0 to Canada in stoppage time.

“My wife ⁠is happy that I’m quitting, but she’s already warned me: ‘Just make sure you don’t get in my way!’,” Broos further stated.

Hugo Broos celebrates with his players. Image: Imago

“Suppose I have to be in South ⁠Africa for a few weeks every two months: why not? Better that than being a nuisance at home because I have nothing to do.”

Broos’ departure officially opens the door for Pitso Mosimane, who is considered favourite for the Bafana Bafana job, and has received a lot of backing, including support from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie.