Broos steps down as Bafana coach – South African Football Association

31 July 2026 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) has announced that Hugo Broos has stepped down as Bafana Bafana coach.

Broos has been at the helm since 5 May 2021 and under his guidance, the South African senior men’s national team won bronze at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. The team also qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 24 years and made history at the 2026 global showpiece when the country qualified for the second round of the tournament for the first time ever after beating South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey, Mexico, courtesy of a lone strike from Thapelo Maseko.

SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan thanked the Belgian mentor following the rise of Bafana Bafana during his tenure. “We have established a very, very good team, and we want to thank you for that, that South Africa now is among the top ten best teams on the continent, and we have a team that can compete. Of course, it’s a huge challenge for us as we part ways and have to find a new driver for the team, and we have a difficult challenge to qualify again for African Cup of Nations. We’ve become used to qualifying for the African Cup of Nations now,” said the SAFA President.

“So, we hope that we can continue on the success that you’ve built, and that we can continue to build a team that can compete on the continent. So, I want to say, Hugo Broos, thank you very much. You delivered for Cameroon, and now you delivered for South Africa. And it is because of your delivery in Cameroon that we were convinced.”

Broos explained the reason behind his decision not to stay on as Bafana Bafana coach.

“My long absence from my family and lonely moments in South Africa have led me to make this difficult decision. Qualifying for the World Cup 40 years after my participation at the World Cup in 1986 as a player with the Belgian national team brought things full circle,” he said.

“Therefore, I will not extend my contract as head coach of Bafana Bafana. From the start, when I accepted the job, I knew clearly which direction I wanted to take, even though the criticism was merciless. Supported by my fantastic staff, these have been wonderful years for me with various highlights and unique moments. I worked with people who belonged to the highest level in their field, people who were strangers have become friends for life. I want to thank them for everything. You made it all possible. Never in my 38-year career as a coach has the respect and gratitude been so great. I will cherish all those people for the rest of my life.”

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your dedication, professionalism and service to South African football. Your contribution has left an unforgettable mark on Bafana Bafana and on the nation as a whole. Your legacy will endure long after your departure from our shores and we wish you every success, good health and fulfillment in your retirement as you spend very time with your loved ones. For me, it’s not bon voyage, it’s à bientôt because we hope to see each other soon,” said SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao.

Broos will return home to Belgium on Saturday.

South African Football: The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is the top professional football league in South Africa.