‘Without Helman, We Couldn’t Do It’: Broos Bids Emotional Farewell To Bafana

Outgoing Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos paid emotional tribute to his assistant coach Helman Mkhalele, stating that without Mkhalele’s massive input and intimate knowledge of South African football, he could not have achieved his coaching success.

Broos confirmed he will not extend his contract with Bafana Bafana, noting that bowing out after leading the nation to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico brought his career full circle—40 years after he represented Belgium as a player at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where they finished fourth.

The 74-year-old leaves Bafana Bafana as South Africa’s longest-serving coach after spending over five years at the helm. He signed a five-year deal in May 2021 shortly after the national team failed to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). However, during his initial press conference, Broos boldly promised that Bafana Bafana would qualify for the next tournament—a promise he fulfilled by booking their place at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

Bafana Bafana went on to claim the bronze medal in Ivory Coast, beating DR Congo on penalties after a narrow semi-final shootout loss to Nigeria. It marked South Africa’s first AFCON podium finish since 2000 under former coach Trot Moloto.

His momentum continued into World Cup qualification, as Bafana topped a competitive group featuring Nigeria, Benin, Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the subsequent AFCON, Bafana exited in the Round of 16 against Cameroon—the side Broos previously guided to continental glory in 2017.

Despite a shaky start to their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca, Bafana made history by advancing past the group stage for the first time. Their journey ended in heartbreak following a dramatic late goal by co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32—a match that marked Broos’ final game in charge.

As the 74-year-old departs South Africa to return home to Belgium, he cements his legacy as one of Bafana Bafana’s finest managers alongside the late Clive Barker, who won AFCON in 1996. Across his tenure, Broos managed 60 matches in all competitions, recording 29 wins, 19 draws, and 12 defeats.

Quotes from Hugo Broos’ Press Conference

“My long absence from my family and the lonely moments in South Africa have led me to make this difficult decision,” Broos said.

“Qualifying for the World Cup 40 years after my participation as a player with the Belgium national team in 1986 has brought everything full circle.

“Therefore, I will not extend my contract as head coach of Bafana Bafana. From the moment I accepted this job, I knew exactly what I was getting myself into, even though the criticism was merciless.

“Supported by a fantastic staff, these have been wonderful years for me, filled with many highlights and unforgettable moments.

“I worked with people who belong at the highest level in their respective fields. People who were once strangers have become friends for life.

“I want to thank them for everything. You made it all possible. Never in my 30-year coaching career have I experienced such respect.

“I will cherish these people for the rest of my life. I especially want to thank Kopano, Dr Molobi and Helman Mkhalele. Helman assisted me from the very first day. He helped me enormously to understand South African football and its players.

“Without Helman, we could not have achieved what we achieved.”

Broos also thanked the wider Bafana Bafana management and players for their commitment throughout his tenure.

“I also want to thank the team manager, the head of delegation and the entire Bafana Bafana family for their devotion to the team.

“I thank the players for the belief and trust they placed in me as both a coach and a person. Together we created the Bafana Bafana DNA, which earned us an AFCON bronze medal, a place in the second round of the World Cup, a historic achievement, and many memorable performances.

“We brought South African football back to life. Supporters returned to the stadiums, and we reunited with this wonderful country.

“Today, Bafana Bafana are ranked 54th in the world.

“The recent World Cup showed that this team has already taken seven steps forward.”