Veteran Belgian coach Hugo Broos has confirmed he will step down as South Africa head coach, bringing the curtain down on a transformative five-year spell that ranks among the most successful in Bafana Bafana’s history.
Speaking to Belgian outlet Voetbalnieuws, the 74-year-old ended weeks of speculation surrounding his future following South Africa’s impressive run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting his coaching career is now over.
“Will I continue as a coach? No, that’s final,” Broos said.
“If they need me for something else, perhaps in scouting, that’s another possibility. But football will no longer be a 24/7 part of my life.”
Broos had previously indicated that the 2026 World Cup would be his final tournament, although South Africa’s historic qualification for the knockout rounds briefly raised hopes he could extend his stay.
Instead, the Belgian has chosen to walk away from the dugout while leaving open the possibility of continuing to serve South African football in a different capacity.
SAFA was keen to retain Broos
Although Broos will no longer lead the national team, he revealed that the South African Football Association (SAFA) wants him to remain involved behind the scenes.
“I’ve already spoken with the president of the South African federation,” he said.
“He wants to keep me, but in a different role, as an advisor or something like that. I’ll return at the end of July to say my goodbyes. I’m curious to see what he’ll propose.”
The arrangement could allow South Africa to retain Broos’ wealth of international experience as the federation prepares for the next cycle, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and qualification campaigns beyond.
Historic spell with Bafana Bafana
Broos took charge of South Africa in 2021 and leaves as the longest-serving coach in the history of the national team.
During his tenure, he rebuilt Bafana Bafana into one of Africa’s most competitive sides, guiding them to consecutive Africa Cup of Nations appearances and a bronze medal at the 2023 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.
His greatest achievement came at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where South Africa progressed beyond the group stage and reached the knockout rounds for the first time in the country’s history.
The achievement cemented Broos’ legacy as one of the most influential coaches to lead the national team.
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Broos also revealed that retirement has the full backing of his family, joking that his wife had already laid down one condition.
“My wife is happy that I’m resigning, but she’s already warned me: ‘Just don’t get in my way!'”
The former Cameroon coach admitted he would still be willing to travel to South Africa for occasional assignments if called upon by SAFA.
“If I have to be in South Africa for a few weeks every couple of months, why not? Better that than having nothing to do at home.”
Search begins for successor, one man rings all over
Broos’ confirmation now clears the way for SAFA to appoint a new head coach ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Former Bafana Bafana manager Pitso Mosimane has emerged as one of the leading candidates after Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie publicly endorsed him for a return to the national team setup.
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Whoever succeeds Broos will inherit a side that has regained belief on the continental and global stage, while also carrying the responsibility of building on the strongest foundation South African football has enjoyed in more than a decade.
