South Africa Begin Search For New Coach As Broos Confirms Exit

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has begun the search for a new national team coach following confirmation that Hugo Broos will step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A senior SAFA official told AFP on Friday that several applications had already been received, with former Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane among the candidates.

The official said SAFA president Danny Jordaan had offered Broos an advisory role within the national team set-up.

Broos confirmed in an interview with Belgian magazine Humo that discussions had taken place over a possible new position after his retirement as head coach.

The 74-year-old said he would return to South Africa later this month to conclude discussions before officially leaving the role.

Broos had announced earlier this year that he intended to retire after South Africa’s World Cup campaign, explaining that he wanted to spend more time with his family.

During his tenure, the Belgian transformed Bafana Bafana into one of Africa’s most competitive teams, guiding them to third place at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations—the country’s best finish since 2000—and overseeing their return to the World Cup knockout stages.

Mosimane, who previously managed South Africa between 2010 and 2012, is regarded as one of Africa’s most successful coaches. He won the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016 before leading Egypt’s Al Ahly to two continental titles.

He has also managed clubs in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

The new coach’s first assignment will be the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea in September and October.