Broos Confirms Departure as Bafana Bafana Coach

Hugo Broos confirmed that his tenure as Bafana Bafana coach is over but has not ruled out another role with South Africa in the future. The 74-year-old Belgian became the longest-serving coach in Bafana’s history after taking the role in June 2021.

It had always been Broos's intention to retire after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but following Bafana’s historic qualification for the round of 32, there were mixed signals from him regarding his future. Speaking to voetbalnieuws from his home in Belgium, Broos confirmed his time as coach has ended.

Despite his departure, he mentioned the possibility of continuing to work with SAFA in a different capacity. '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 stated.

He revealed he had already spoken with the chairman of the South African federation, who expressed a desire to retain him in a different role, possibly as an advisor. Broos plans to return to South Africa at the end of July to say a final farewell and is curious about the proposals he might receive.

'My wife is happy that I'm quitting, but she has already warned me: 'Just make sure you don’t get in my way!'' (laughs) Broos added that should he need to visit South Africa every couple of months, he would entertain the idea, noting it would be better than being idle at home.