Broos Set For Milestone Against Angola
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos will reach a major milestone when South Africa face Angola in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday night (19:00) at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco.
It marks a significant moment for the Belgian mentor, who is set to take charge of his 50th match as Bafana Bafana coach, capping off more than four years of steady progress and transformation.
Broos’ journey with Bafana Bafana began on 5 May 2021, when the South African Football Association (SAFA) appointed him as head coach, replacing Molefi Ntseki. His tenure started on a winning note, laying the foundation for the success that followed.
Although Broos was not physically present due to travel for his Covid-19 vaccination in Belgium, he officially oversaw his first match on 10 June 2021, when Bafana Bafana edged Uganda 3–2 in an international friendly at Orlando Stadium.
Now 73, Broos has guided South Africa through 49 matches, bringing him within touching distance of the half-century mark. During that period, Bafana Bafana have made clear strides on and off the pitch.
“Congratulations to coach Hugo for reaching this milestone,” said SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan, praising the coach’s impact on the national team.
When Broos took charge, South Africa were ranked 75th in the FIFA world rankings. Under his leadership, Bafana Bafana have climbed to 61st, with a return to the top 50 firmly within reach.
One of the standout achievements of his tenure was leading South Africa to a bronze medal at AFCON 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire, restoring belief and pride in the national team.
Broos and his squad raised the bar even further by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in October 2025. The global showpiece will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
On a personal milestone, Broos equalled the record of the late Clive Barker on 5 May 2025, becoming Bafana Bafana’s longest-serving head coach after completing four years in charge. Barker famously led South Africa to their historic 1996 AFCON title, serving from January 1994 to January 1998. Broos has since surpassed that mark.
Statistically, his record stands among the best in Bafana Bafana history, with 24 wins, 19 draws and just six defeats, highlighting the team’s consistency and competitiveness.
Memorable victories under Broos include 4–0 wins over Sierra Leone and Namibia, and a dominant 5–0 triumph against Congo Brazzaville in an AFCON qualifier.
While Broos has indicated he plans to step down after the 2026 World Cup, his immediate focus remains on AFCON 2025. If his tenure so far is any indication, South African football fans have every reason to believe that Bafana Bafana can deliver a strong campaign in Morocco and head to the World Cup with confidence.
Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana record:
49 matches | 24 wins | 19 draws | 6 losses | 75 goals scored
