Former South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has warned that appointing Pitso Mosimane as his successor could set Bafana Bafana back five years.
Speaking to Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, Broos questioned the direction South Africa could take under Mosimane and also raised concerns about interference from club owners and agents in national-team selection.
“South Africa still don’t have a coach. The candidate is Pitso Mosimane, a successful South African coach. But they know that if he comes in, they’ll go five years back in time.”
Broos, who spent five years in charge of Bafana Bafana, said he worked to prevent external figures from influencing his squad selections.
“Club owners and agents calling coaches to influence the squad selection. I threw all of them out. If one called, I would say bluntly: ‘I don’t talk with agents’.”
Broos reflects on South Africa departure
The Belgian also admitted that leaving the South Africa job was more difficult than he initially expected.
Broos had previously indicated that he planned to step down after the Africa Cup of Nations, a decision that reportedly surprised SAFA president Danny Jordaan.
He said the demands of spending extended periods away from his family in Belgium contributed to his decision.
Broos revealed that Jordaan even offered him greater flexibility, allowing him to determine when he would travel to South Africa.
“We understand that you miss your family. Just write down when you want to come.”
Despite the offer, Broos said he ultimately felt he could not continue and eventually confirmed his decision to leave.
He also revealed that members of his staff, including former Bafana Bafana international Helman Mkhalele, were affected by his departure.
Mkhalele reportedly did not want to remain with the national team without Broos, while the Belgian said he felt particularly sorry for staff members who lost their positions.
Broos leaves South Africa having established a clear structure around the national team, but his latest comments suggest he remains concerned about the direction Bafana Bafana could take under a new coach.
If Mosimane is appointed, he would return to a position he previously held after guiding South Africa between 2010 and 2012.
