SAFA Set To Prioritise Local Coach If Broos Steps Down After World Cup
Sportswire has learned that the South African Football Association (SAFA) will not appoint a foreign coach to replace Hugo Broos if he steps down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, opting instead to consider a local candidate.
Broos, who was appointed on a five-year contract in May 2021, has indicated to SAFA that he plans to retire at the end of the tournament in June. However, this publication understands that the Belgian mentor could still reconsider his decision.
This possibility was echoed by SAFA president Danny Jordaan during the announcement of a four-year partnership with Standard Bank in Rosebank earlier this month.
Jordaan said: “One of the things that has delivered success for our national teams — because many people ask why we are achieving success now — is simple.
“We have not changed coaches over the last four years or before the expiry of their contracts. Hugo Broos has been serving his contract, and we still need to discuss the future with him.
“He has indicated that by the end of his contract he will have reached retirement age, but we still have a conversation to have.”
A highly placed SAFA source told Sportswire that the association has not yet begun succession planning.
“This is because Hugo Broos could remain the national team coach beyond the World Cup,” the source said.
Broos is the longest-serving Bafana Bafana coach in history, having taken over from Molefi Ntseki five years ago.
The Belgian tactician became the first coach to guide Bafana Bafana to back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifications — for the delayed 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast, played in 2024, and the 2025 edition in Morocco.
In 2024, Bafana secured their first AFCON podium finish in 24 years, winning the bronze medal after defeating DR Congo on penalties.
However, they were unable to replicate that success in Morocco, where they exited in the round of 16 after losing to Cameroon — the same nation Broos led to AFCON glory in 2017.
Broos also guided Bafana Bafana to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking South Africa’s first qualification for the global showpiece since 2002, excluding their participation as hosts in 2010.
He is now set to lead Bafana Bafana in what could be his final preparation window ahead of the World Cup, with South Africa scheduled to host Panama in two international friendlies at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 27 March and at DHL Stadium in Cape Town four days later.
Whatever decision Broos ultimately makes, he is likely to be remembered as one of the most influential figures in South African football, known for his honesty and straightforward approach.
