Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is expected to leave his position after rejecting an offer to extend his five-year reign.
The 74-year-old took charge in May 2021 following the departure of Molefi Ntseki and rebuilt a national team that had struggled for consistency. He led South Africa to the bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before securing the country’s first World Cup appearance since 2010.
READ: UEFA threatens FIFA boycott over World Cup sell-off
According to iDiski Times, the South African Football Association offered Broos a new contract that would have taken him through to the 2027 AFCON in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The Belgian reportedly rejected the proposal because he felt it had arrived too late. Bafana’s next fixture is scheduled for 23 September, while uncertainty has also grown around the future of several members of his technical team.
Broos had repeatedly indicated before the 2026 World Cup that he planned to retire from coaching due to his age and a desire to spend more time with his family. However, his future became the subject of renewed speculation after Bafana reached the knockout stage for the first time.
ALSO: Hunt fumes over All Blacks’ Athlone takeover
Changes have already begun behind the scenes. Head tactical and performance analyst Sinesipho Mali joined AmaZulu following the World Cup, while conditioning coach Kopano Melesi confirmed his departure from the national team on Thursday.
Several Bafana players have also posted tributes to Broos on social media, thanking him for his contribution during a tenure that restored belief in the national side.
SAFA has called a press conference where it is expected to formally announce the coach’s departure.
The association must now identify his successor ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, with the next appointment tasked with building on Bafana’s successes.
Photo by Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
