Broos Warns Mosimane Appointment Could Set Bafana Five Years Back

Former South Africa coach Hugo Broos has warned that appointing Pitso Mosimane as his successor could set Bafana Bafana back by five years, accusing club owners and agents of potentially influencing squad selection.

Broos, 74, made the claim in a wide-ranging interview with Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, as speculation continues over who will take charge of South Africa following his departure.

Mosimane, who previously led South Africa and has enjoyed success at club level, has emerged as a leading candidate for the vacant position.

Asked about his reputation for speaking his mind, Broos said he believed Mosimane’s potential appointment could reopen the door to outside influence in 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 said.

He claimed club owners and agents had previously attempted to influence his selection decisions but insisted that he refused to engage with them.

“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’,” he added.

Broos led South Africa to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and had previously indicated that he would retire from coaching after the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

However, he revealed that he briefly considered extending his stay after receiving pleas to continue in the role.

“I underestimated it. The closer the end came, the more people asked me not to stop,” Broos said.

He disclosed that South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan had even offered him flexibility over his return dates, potentially allowing him to spend part of the year in Belgium.

Broos also said his assistant, Helman Mkhalele, did not want to remain in the set-up without him, contributing to his decision to reconsider retirement.

The Belgian’s latest comments add to a series of controversial statements he has made about South African football and the country’s national team during his tenure.

He has previously faced criticism over remarks concerning defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, for which he was forced to apologise, while his criticism of Morocco’s organisation and atmosphere during the recent Africa Cup of Nations also attracted backlash.

Broos has nevertheless overseen a successful period for Bafana Bafana, including their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, but his latest comments are likely to intensify the debate surrounding his successor and the direction of South African football.