By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed the departure of Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos on Friday, 31 July 2026.
Broos has been the subject of widespread speculation since the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Broos, who took charge of South Africa in June 2021, has enjoyed one of the most successful coaching spells in recent history.
The Belgian oversaw their third-place finish in the 2023 AFCON tournament (held belatedly in early 2024 in Ivory Coast) and their first knockout stage appearance at a FIFA World Cup as they made the round of 32 this year in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
It was the first time in 24 years that Bafana Bafana had qualified for the World Cup and their first appearance in 16 years after hosting in 2010.
Before Broos led this current crop of players to the global stage, it was Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz who guided South Africa to World Cup qualification, in 2002. However, after a poor showing at the 2002 Afcon, Queiroz was replaced by Jomo Sono before the World Cup.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan said, “I want to say Hugo Broos, thank you very much,”
“Today we bid farewell to coach. We are happy and we want to thank him for his contribution to the team that he has built, said Jordaan.”
Broos’ influence on South African soccer over the past five years has been significant.
In his exit speech, Broos said, he takes pride in being the first coach to see through his contract.
He mentioned the personal sacrifices he has made during his time in South Africa, particularly the extended periods spent away from his family. The veteran coach admitted that stepping away from the role was one of the toughest decisions of his career.
Broos urged South African players and the PSL need to work on improving their professional attitude towards the game.
Under his leadership, Bafana Bafana secured a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and reached the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, restoring belief in South African football.
The football association is pushing to name his successor before September’s AFCON qualifiers—and Pitso Mosimane is the frontrunner for the job.