Bafana coach Broos backs Mkhalele as his successor

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Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has indicated that his assistant and former Bafana midfielder, Helman Mkhalele, should be considered as his successor when he steps down following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Hugo Broos has named his assistant Helman Mkhalele as the ideal candidate to succeed him after the 2026 World Cup. Broos, who has overseen South Africa’s revival since 2021, believes continuity and shared philosophy make Mkhalele the natural choice to lead the national team into its next phase.

Broos, now in his fifth year with the national team, has overseen an outstanding improvement in Bafana Bafana’s performances. Since taking charge, he has guided the national team to a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, secured qualification for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, and confirmed the team’s place at the 2026 World Cup to be hosted in the United States.

Reflecting on succession planning during a media roundtable at SAFA House, Broos said that continuity would be key to sustaining the progress achieved under his tenure.

“My successor must continue the work we’ve started, perhaps with different methods, but building on the same foundation,” Broos said. “The best option would be for Helman to take over after me. He understands the philosophy, the structure, and he shares most of my ideas about how the team should play.”

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Broos added that while Mkhalele’s technical understanding and leadership make him a strong candidate, he will need to complete the required UEFA Pro License coaching qualification to meet eligibility standards for the national role.

The Belgian coach also acknowledged Mkhalele’s importance to Bafana Bafana’s recent success, crediting him for his role both on and off the pitch since joining the technical team.

“Without Helman, we would not have achieved what we have. He’s been essential from the first year,” Broos stated. “He knows the players, he understands the environment, and he has grown into the role.”

Broos confirmed that he will retire from coaching after the 2026 World Cup, citing age and the desire to spend more time with his family as reasons for his decision.

“I’ll be 74 by then, and it’s the right moment to step away,” he said. “If I were younger, I would have continued. I’m very happy here, with the progress we’ve made, but it’s time to give attention back to my family.”

Mkhalele represented the South Africa national football team between 1994 and 2001, earning 66 caps and scoring eight goals. He was a member of the historic Bafana Bafana squad that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations and later featured at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.

He made his international debut on 26 November 1994 against Ghana at the age of 25, and his final appearance came on 5 May 2001 in a match against Zimbabwe. In total, his international career spanned just over six years.

Under Broos and Mkhalele, South Africa have rebuilt their competitive edge after failing to qualify for both the 2021 AFCON and the 2022 World Cup. The team’s recent resurgence, coupled with the success of the junior national teams, has renewed optimism about the long-term direction of South African football.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

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