South Africa’s football authorities have firmly rejected claims that Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has agreed a new one-year contract, insisting no such deal has been offered or signed.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) issued a strongly worded statement on Thursday describing the reports as “false, unfounded and misleading”, and stressed that Broos remains on his existing contract, which runs until the end of July 2026.
The governing body said no decision had been taken about the national team’s coaching position beyond that date and underlined that its internal processes concerning the Bafana Bafana technical set-up were still under way.
“SAFA has not issued any contract to any coach in respect of the Bafana Bafana head coach position,” the association said.
Current contract runs to 2026
In its statement, SAFA clarified that Broos’ original agreement remains in force and that there has been no change to its duration or terms.
The Belgian coach, who guided Bafana Bafana to a third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, is contractually tied to the national side until July 2026. That deal covers South Africa’s ongoing World Cup qualification campaign as well as other international commitments.
The association emphasised that any decision on whether to extend or alter that contract would be taken only after the relevant committees had completed their work and presented formal recommendations.
SAFA added that the National Executive Committee has not yet discussed, approved or even tabled any proposal regarding an extension to Broos’ contract.
‘Unnecessary speculation’ over unnamed sources
SAFA expressed particular concern about recent media reports suggesting Broos had been granted a new one-year extension, with some articles attributing the information to unnamed insiders.
According to the association, such coverage risks “unnecessary speculation”, misleads supporters of the national team and undermines SAFA’s established governance and decision-making structures.
By circulating suggestions of a new contract that does not exist, SAFA says, the reports have created confusion about the coach’s future and disrupted the proper handling of internal deliberations on the technical team.
Call for media to seek official confirmation
The football body used the statement to appeal directly to media organisations to verify sensitive information with the association before going to print or publishing online.
“A simple request for comment would enable SAFA to verify facts and assist in preventing the publication and circulation of unfounded or unsupported reports,” the statement said.
SAFA reiterated that it is committed to transparent communication on matters relating to the national teams and will make formal announcements once internal processes have concluded.
Fans urged to use official channels
The association urged supporters, sponsors and other stakeholders to rely on its official platforms – including its website and verified social media accounts – for accurate and up-to-date information regarding Bafana Bafana and other national teams.
SAFA insisted that any future decision about the Bafana Bafana head coach position, including possible extensions or changes involving Hugo Broos, will be made public only through its official communication channels once properly approved by its governance structures.
