Hugo Broos has confirmed that his time as head coach of South Africa’s national team is coming to an end, although the Belgian has revealed he could remain involved with the country’s football structures in another capacity.
The 74-year-old, who became the longest-serving coach in Bafana Bafana history after taking charge in June 2021, said he will not continue as a coach but has not completely closed the door on working with the South African Football Association (SAFA) in the future.
Broos had previously indicated that he planned to retire from coaching after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, after guiding South Africa to a historic round of 32 qualification at the tournament, uncertainty remained over whether he would reconsider his decision.
Speaking to Belgian publication voetbalnieuws from his home country, Broos confirmed that his coaching career with Bafana Bafana is finished, describing the decision as final.
“Will I continue as a coach after all? No, it is irreversible! If they need me for something else, perhaps in scouting: that is something else. But football is no longer going to be a part of my life 24 hours a day,” Broos was quoted as saying.
Despite stepping away from the dugout, Broos suggested that he could still contribute to South African football through a different position. He explained that discussions had already taken place with the leadership of SAFA about the possibility of remaining involved as an adviser.
“I have already had a conversation with the chairman of the South African federation. He would like to keep me, but in a different role, as an advisor or something like that. I will return at the end of July to say a final farewell; I am curious to see what he will propose to me.”
Broos’ departure marks the end of a significant period in Bafana Bafana’s recent history. Since arriving in 2021, he has become the longest-serving coach of the national team and played a central role in the side’s progress during his tenure.
His decision to leave comes after South Africa achieved a memorable milestone by reaching the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, a campaign that had created questions over whether the experienced coach might continue beyond his original retirement plans.
However, Broos has now made clear that his future will not involve full-time coaching. Instead, he is open to a role that would allow him to remain connected to the sport without the demands of managing a national team every day.
The Belgian also spoke about his personal life and the reaction of his family to his decision to step away from coaching.
“My wife is happy that I’m quitting, but she’s already warned me: ‘Just make sure you don’t get in my way!’ (laughs) Suppose I have to be in South Africa for a few weeks every two months: why not? Better that than being a nuisance at home because I have nothing to do.”
Broos is expected to return to South Africa at the end of July, where he will formally bid farewell and discuss any potential future position with SAFA.
While his coaching chapter appears to be over, the possibility remains that Broos could continue to offer his experience and knowledge to South African football in an advisory or scouting role.
