The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that Hugo Broos has stepped down as head coach of Bafana Bafana, bringing an end to a successful five-year spell in charge of the senior men’s national team.
The Belgian tactician, who took over on 5 May 2021, leaves behind a remarkable legacy after guiding South Africa back to prominence on the continental and global stage.
Under Broos’ leadership, Bafana Bafana secured a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire before qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 24 years. South Africa then made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by reaching the second round for the first time ever after defeating South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey, Mexico, thanks to a decisive goal from Thapelo Maseko.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan paid tribute to Broos for transforming the national team and restoring its competitiveness.
We have established a very, very good team, and we want to thank you for that. South Africa is now among the top ten best teams on the continent, and we have a team that can compete,said Jordaan.
He acknowledged the challenge of replacing the veteran coach but expressed confidence that the foundation laid by Broos would allow Bafana Bafana to continue competing at the highest level.
We hope that we can continue the success that you’ve built and continue to build a team that can compete on the continent. Hugo Broos, thank you very much. You delivered for Cameroon, and now you delivered for South Africa.
Explaining his decision, Broos revealed that spending long periods away from his family ultimately influenced his choice to leave.
My long absence from my family and lonely moments in South Africa have led me to make this difficult decision,he said.
The 74-year-old added that leading South Africa to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, exactly 40 years after representing Belgium as a player at the 1986 World Cup, brought his football journey full circle.
Therefore, I will not extend my contract as head coach of Bafana Bafana. From the start, when I accepted the job, I knew clearly which direction I wanted to take, even though the criticism was merciless.
Broos also thanked his coaching staff and everyone who worked alongside him during his tenure.
Supported by my fantastic staff, these have been wonderful years for me with various highlights and unique moments. I worked with people who belonged to the highest level in their field. People who were strangers have become friends for life. Never in my 38-year career as a coach has the respect and gratitude been so great.
SAFA Chief Executive Officer Lydia Monyepao also praised Broos’ contribution to South African football.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your dedication, professionalism and service to South African football. Your contribution has left an unforgettable mark on Bafana Bafana and on the nation as a whole. Your legacy will endure long after your departure, and we wish you every success, good health and fulfilment in your retirement as you spend more time with your loved ones.
She concluded with a heartfelt farewell, saying:
For me, it’s not bon voyage, it’s à bientôt, because we hope to see each other soon.
Broos is expected to return to his home country of Belgium on Saturday, ending one of the most successful coaching eras in Bafana Bafana’s history.
Images: Mazilitha, Bafana Bafana