Jordaan Confirms Decision Date As Mosimane Leads The Race For Bafana Head Coach Job
South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan has confirmed that the National Executive Committee (NEC) will meet next weekend to finalize the appointment of the new Bafana Bafana head coach.
The NEC is SAFA’s highest decision-making body, responsible for ratifying recommendations put forward by the technical committee. This follows the established process used during the appointments of Molefi Ntseki in 2019 and Hugo Broos in 2021.
The upcoming meeting will finalize the successor to Broos, who confirmed he declined a contract renewal to remain in charge of the national team. Former Bafana Bafana boss Pitso Mosimane, who has officially applied for the position, is widely considered the favorite to replace the Belgian.
“Next week on Saturday, we are having an NEC meeting, and that is where the decision will be taken,” Jordaan confirmed.
Broos’ Bafana Legacy
Broos leaves Bafana Bafana as South Africa’s longest-serving head coach after spending over five years at the helm. Appointed in May 2021 following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Broos transformed the national side into a continental power.
Paying tribute to assistant coach Helman Mkhalele, Broos emphasized that Mkhalele’s deep understanding of local football was crucial to his success.
Reflecting on his tenure, Broos noted that bowing out after leading South Africa to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico brought his career full circle—40 years after representing Belgium as a player at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where they finished fourth.
Under Broos’ guidance, Bafana Bafana achieved significant milestones:
- AFCON 2023 Bronze: Defeated DR Congo on penalties to secure third place—South Africa’s first AFCON podium finish since 2000 under Trot Moloto.
- World Cup Qualification: Topped a competitive qualifying group to earn a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Historic Knockout Run: Overcame an opening 2-0 loss to Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca to advance past the group stage for the first time in South African history, eventually exiting in the Round of 32 against co-hosts Canada.
As the 74-year-old returns home to Belgium, his record stands at 60 matches in charge across all competitions, recording 29 wins, 19 draws, and 12 defeats. His legacy places him alongside the late Clive Barker as one of Bafana Bafana’s most successful managers.
