Broos Hints At Staying In South Africa After World Cup

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has hinted at a potential change of heart regarding his immediate retirement plans, suggesting he could remain open to a less demanding football role within South Africa after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While the veteran tactician previously maintained that this tournament would mark the curtain call on his illustrious career—citing that he would be 78 by the time the next World Cup arrives—his recent historic success seems to have altered his perspective.

South African football fans will easily forgive Broos for changing his mind. Since taking the reins in 2021, the former Cameroon mentor has systematically revived a national team that had spent years in the footballing doldrums.

Under his guidance, Bafana Bafana claimed a historic Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal in 2024 before securing their spot at this year’s global showpiece—marking South Africa’s first appearance on the World Cup stage through sporting qualification since 2002.

Broos, coaching at a World Cup for the very first time, etched his name into the history books on Thursday by leading Bafana Bafana to the knockout stages with a breathtaking victory over South Korea.

In doing so, he became the oldest head coach to win a match in FIFA World Cup history, at the exact age of 74 years and 75 days.

Yet, away from the roaring crowds and tactical masterclasses, the emotional toll of the job weighs heavily on the Belgian.

“You know, family is very important,” Broos said.

“But this World Cup started on 11 June, and there was still school in Belgium, with the children writing exams. Parents can’t just take their children out of school and come to the games.

“If that had been possible, they would have been here. I’m sure of it.

“But regularly, they send me WhatsApp videos of themselves watching the games. They were celebrating after the match against South Korea.

“That is nice for me. I miss my family and, over the past few years, I have spent most of my time in South Africa. One of the reasons why maybe—maybe—I will stop after this World Cup is because I miss my grandchildren too much. I don’t see them growing up, and I’m 74.”

Broos admitted that these emotional familial ties frequently trigger thoughts of stepping back, but the overwhelming support from home provides an unexpected second wind.

“I think it is time [to step away], but when those videos come through, and I’m watching them alone in my room, it’s fantastic,” said Broos, who is arguably the most successful coach for Bafana Bafana.

“It makes me enormously happy and gives me the energy to carry on because, a few days ago after the game against South Korea, I phoned my wife and she said, ‘You can stay another week, no problem.’

“That gives me a lot of courage, and I’m very happy here.”

When pressed on his previous absolute declarations of retirement, and asked if his sudden use of the word “maybe” implied a continuation, Broos left the door tantalizingly ajar.

“Months ago, I said, ‘This has to be finished now. I’m 74 and it has been enough.’ I was 19 when I signed my first professional contract as a player, and now I’m 74. That’s 55 years in football.

“It has to come to an end. The closer the end comes, the more you start thinking about it. So we’ll see. At the moment, I don’t know.

“But I still stand by my decision. On the other hand, I’ve always said that I don’t want to go home, sit on my couch and drink coffee. I still have too much energy.

“Maybe we can find something in South Africa where I don’t have to be here all the time and can spend more time with my family. We’ll see if that’s possible.”