South Africa coach Hugo Broos retires

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Broos

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By Adegboyega Adeleye

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South Africa national team head coach Hugo Broos has left his position after five years in charge, with South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan confirming the Belgian’s departure on Friday.

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Broos’ contract officially expired on Friday, bringing an end to his tenure, which began in May 2021 after Bafana Bafana failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.

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The 74-year-old coach leaves behind a period that included several notable achievements for South Africa.

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Under Broos, Bafana Bafana finished third at the 2023 AFCON, which was eventually staged in early 2024 in Ivory Coast after being postponed.

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He also guided the team to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, marking South Africa’s first appearance beyond the group stage at the tournament.

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The qualification itself ended a 24-year wait for Bafana Bafana, who had last featured at the World Cup in 2010 as hosts. Their 2026 appearance was their first since that tournament.

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Broos had previously indicated that his departure from the national team was settled.

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Speaking to Belgian publication Voetbalnieuws after the World Cup, Broos said his decision to leave the Bafana Bafana job was “irreversible”, citing his desire to spend more time with his family. However, he also

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expressed a willingness to take up another position within SAFA.

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His comments sparked uncertainty, with SAFA initially releasing a statement denying that Broos had already stepped down.

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Further speculation followed when reports emerged that the coach had been offered a one-year contract extension. SAFA subsequently issued another statement insisting that no extension had been finalised.

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The situation has now been resolved, with Broos officially departing at the end of his contract.

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His exit makes him the longest-serving head coach in Bafana Bafana history.

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SAFA is yet to announce a replacement, although former Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has emerged as a leading candidate.

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Mosimane, 62, previously managed the South African national team before going on to enjoy considerable club success. He guided Mamelodi Sundowns to the CAF Champions League title once before winning the competition twice with Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

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With Broos now officially gone, attention will turn to SAFA’s decision on who will take charge of Bafana Bafana for the next phase of their international campaign.

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