Broos Admits He Almost Resigned As Bafana Coach

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has revealed that he nearly resigned from his position as South Africa’s national team coach after enduring a difficult first year in charge.

Broos was appointed as South Africa’s head coach in May 2021, taking over a side that had lost the confidence and interest of many supporters.

However, he managed to turn things around and guided the team to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — South Africa’s first appearance at the tournament since 2002.

Bafana Bafana failed to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations during Broos’ first year in charge, but he corrected that in the years that followed by building a more reliable and competitive squad. His efforts were rewarded when South Africa secured a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

“I knew what I was planning to do,” said Broos.

“It was very difficult for other people to understand what I was doing. It was a very tough year and, to be honest, as I’ve said before, after my first year I was thinking about resigning.

“But football is my passion. I was 19 when I signed my first professional contract, and now I’m 74. Since the age of 19, football has been my life. It’s very difficult to say I will stop.”

Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana will play a warm-up match against Nicaragua at Orlando Stadium on Friday before departing for the Americas on Sunday.

South Africa has been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Mexico, the Republic of Korea, and Czechia. They will open their campaign against Mexico on 11 June — a repeat of the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa.