Hugo Broos succession: SAFA hints at Bafana coach announcement

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has scheduled a press conference for Friday at SAFA House, where the future of Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is expected to be the main topic of discussion.

Speculation is mounting that the Belgian tactician, whose contract runs until July 31, 2026, may extend his tenure by another year. Broos has been at the helm of the senior men’s national team since May 2021.

During his time in charge, Broos has achieved significant milestones. He guided the team to consecutive Africa Cup of Nations qualifications, securing a bronze medal at the 2023 tournament.

Most recently, he led South Africa to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time in the nation’s history.

Bafana coach would be unveiled on Friday

If Broos remains in his role, he will oversee the team’s campaign through the qualifiers for the upcoming AFCON, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. However, the possibility of an exit for the coach, who famously won the 2017 AFCON with Cameroon, has not been entirely dismissed.

The press conference is set for Friday at 12:00 and according to SABC, SAFA has already engaged with four candidates, all believed to be local coaches, as the search for a successor intensifies.

SAFA technical committee chairperson Jack Maluleke, who has overseen the appointments of the last three Bafana Bafana coaches, confirmed that the selection process is in its final stages.

“The decision will be communicated, but we are nearly there,” Maluleke stated. “The committee must sit down and make a final recommendation. After that, it’s out of our hands, and we will rely on the NEC before the CEO gives the contract to the coach.”

Hugo Broos unlikely to continue

While there have been discussions about potentially extending Broos’s tenure until the end of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), this option seems unlikely. Some members of his current technical team have reportedly indicated they will not be available for a new term.

The focus has shifted to finding a new leader who can build on the foundation laid by the Belgian coach. Maluleke explained that the criteria for the next coach are clear, inspired by the standards Broos set during his five years in charge.

“We are not influenced because we are dealing with a set of criteria established by Broos,” he said.

“He promised us he would qualify the team for AFCON and the World Cup, and that if he didn’t, we must terminate the contract. That’s the kind of confidence we want. The qualifiers start on September 21st, so we have to make sure they have ample time to prepare.”

Why SAFA likely to settle on local tactician

Bafana Bafana’s 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign will begin with matches against Guinea-Conakry and Eritrea. Maluleke expressed optimism, noting that the prospective candidates are confident in the current squad’s potential.

“Most of the coaches that made their presentations said that we have a good base in the team, and they are not afraid to take the job on,” he added. “So I’m super positive that we will get it right.”

SAFA Technical Committee chairperson Jack Maluleke opens up about the Bafana Bafana coach search process and how they are driving it.

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The growing reputation of South African coaches on the continent further supports the case for a local appointment. Recently, Rulani Mokwena joined Egyptian giants Pyramids FC, while former Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi took the helm at Tanzanian champions Young Africans.

Maluleke is confident that the country has the necessary talent to lead the national team.

“You cannot outsource something that we have. We have got the best coaches, so why are we outsourcing this role? We need to support them and not set them up for failure. It’s very important to give everyone a chance,” he added, hinting at a local potentially being given the job.