Hugo Broos’ contract as South Africa head coach expires on Thursday, 31 July, leaving Bafana Bafana without a coach from Saturday, 1 August, unless the South African Football Association (SAFA) confirms a new arrangement.
Broos, who took charge in May 2021, is Bafana Bafana’s longest-serving coach and has overseen 60 official matches during his five-year tenure.
His contract was due to run until the conclusion of the recently completed 2026 FIFA World Cup, staged in North America. Broos had previously said he intended to retire from coaching immediately after the global tournament.
SAFA recently rejected reports that the 74-year-old would retire, insisting that he remained Bafana Bafana’s head coach. However, the federation also denied that it had offered him a one-year contract extension.
There has been no confirmation that Broos will continue beyond the expiry of his current deal, leaving uncertainty over who will lead South Africa into the next phase of their international programme.
Broos departs, or sees his contract come to an end, having significantly improved Bafana Bafana’s standing. Under his management, South Africa reached the semi-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, securing third place the country’s best finish in the competition since 2000.
He also became the first coach to take Bafana Bafana into the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup.
Across his 60 matches in charge, South Africa recorded 29 victories, 19 draws and 12 defeats. The team scored 92 goals and conceded 62 during that period.
Ronwen Williams wore the captain’s armband for the majority of those fixtures and was a central figure throughout Broos’ time in charge.
Mosimane among applicants
SAFA technical committee chairperson Jack Maluleke has revealed that more than 80 candidates applied for the Bafana Bafana position.
Former South Africa manager Pitso Mosimane is among those who submitted an application. If appointed, Mosimane would begin a second spell as head coach of Bafana Bafana.
The identities of the other applicants have not been disclosed. SAFA has confirmed, however, that former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy and Rulani Mokwena did not apply for the role.
That decision comes despite strong support from some South African football supporters, who believe McCarthy and Mokwena could help take Bafana Bafana forward.
Broos’ record includes a substantial improvement in results, a notable Africa Cup of Nations campaign and a historic World Cup achievement. His departure would therefore mark the end of one of the most significant coaching periods in the recent history of the national team.
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