Broos Could Stay As Bafana Coach Beyond 2026 World Cup

Coach Hugo Broos could reconsider his decision to step down as South Africa national soccer team head coach after July, Sportswire has been informed.

Broos had previously indicated to the South African Football Association (SAFA) that he intends to retire at the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in June and July.

However, a highly placed Sportswire source at SAFA revealed that the association has not initiated any succession plans.

“This is because Hugo Broos might remain the national team coach beyond the World Cup,” the source said.

Pitso Mosimane Keen on Bafana Return

Former Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has publicly expressed his desire to return to the national team setup. Mosimane, who is currently unattached, has repeatedly stated that he would welcome another opportunity to lead South Africa to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the FIFA World Cup.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor is regarded as one of the most successful coaches on the continent, having won the CAF Champions League three times.

Broos’ Impact Since 2021 Appointment

Broos was appointed Bafana Bafana head coach in May 2021 on a five-year contract, replacing Molefi Ntseki, who had failed to qualify for the 2022 AFCON. Ntseki has since returned to SAFA as technical director.

Under Broos, South Africa qualified for the 2024 AFCON, where they secured a bronze medal — their first third-place finish since the 2000 edition.

Bafana followed that achievement by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finishing top of their group. They also secured qualification for the AFCON held in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026. In doing so, Broos became the first Bafana coach to qualify for back-to-back AFCON tournaments.

However, at the most recent AFCON in Morocco, South Africa were eliminated in the round of 16 by Cameroon — Broos’ former national team, whom he led to the 2017 AFCON title.

SAFA Yet to Finalise Future Decision

Speaking at the announcement of a four-year sponsorship agreement with Standard Bank in Rosebank on Monday, SAFA president Danny Jordaan suggested that discussions about Broos’ future are still to take place.

“One of the things that’s delivered success for our national teams — because many people ask, ‘Why are you achieving success now?’ — the reason is simple,” said Jordaan.

“We have not changed coaches over the last four years, and before the expiry of their contracts. Hugo Broos has been serving his contract — we have to discuss it with him.

“He’s indicated that at the end of his contract he’ll have reached retirement age, but we still have a conversation to have.”

Broos is set to lead Bafana Bafana in what could be his final preparation window ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup when South Africa host Panama in two international friendlies at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 27 March and four days later at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.