PSL coach backs himself to replace Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos

While Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has backed his assistant Helman Mkhalele to take over from him, there is another man keen to replace him.

Broos has already said that he will leave at the end of his contract after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a five-year reign that started in May 2021, which has seen him revive the fortunes of South African football.

The 73-year-old feels his No.2 Mkhalele is good enough to take over from him and has spoken glowingly of how the two have worked well together.

However, Durban City coach Gavin Hunt is also backing himself for the job as he feels he has a lot going on for him in regards to the job. 

Hunt came close to Bafana job before

“Yeah, I’m at the right age now,” the 61-year-old said while speaking to Sky Tshabalala on the SmashSports Podcast as quoted by iDiski Times.

Hunt revealed that he has been interviewed for the Bafana job previously but was not successful although he thinks time is ripe now to be considered. 

“So, in 2010 I went to the interview, we sat in the room there with people interviewing me. Obviously, they gave it to [Carlos Alberto] Parreira,” he added. 

“And in 2014, 2015, I went again for another interview. So, it was sort of ‘Okay, it’s not gonna happen’. Hugo has come in and done a brilliant job.”

What gives Durban coach hope for the role?

The former SuperSport United boss feels the national team job needs old hands as they have the knowhow when it comes to playing international football, something he believes he has in plenty. 

“And I’ve always said that a national team should be managed by an older person. He’s got a lot of experience; he knows how to accept situations,” said the ex-Kaizer Chiefs coach. 

“For me, the national team coach is the selector. You have two or three days, pulling them in, you don’t have time. I’ve also always said that the national team should be managed by their own nationality, and this is no inspection of Hugo or something.”