According to an official representative of the South African Football Association (SAFA), several well-known candidates, including local figure Pitsso Mosimane, have officially applied for the head coach position of the Bafana Bafana national team following the confirmation of Hugo Broos' departure.
Proposals for Broos' Future
An insider told AFP on Friday that although Hugo Broos may continue working with the national team, it would be in a different role. It was noted that many applications were received for the national coach position, and Pitsso Mosimane is one of them.
Broos told the Belgian magazine Humo that he has already spoken with the chairman of the South African Football Federation, Danny Jordan. Jordan is interested in keeping him, but in another capacity, such as a consultant. Broos plans to return at the end of July to say goodbye.
He added that he is curious about what Jordan will offer. Although his wife is happy about his departure, she warned him not to bother her. Broos noted that he is willing to come to South Africa every two months if required.
Reasons for Broos' Departure
This week, Broos confirmed in Belgian media his decision, made several months ago, to retire after the South African campaign at the 2026 World Cup. He explained this by stating his desire to spend more time with his family—wife, children, and grandchildren—as he is 74 years old and cannot focus exclusively on football every day.
Previously, South Africa successfully qualified for the playoffs for the first time in history after finishing second behind co-hosts Mexico in Group A, but was ultimately eliminated by Canada in the 32nd round. Before this, Broos received widespread recognition for completely transforming Bafana Bafana: the team evolved from an unsuccessful squad attracting only 200 spectators into a national asset that saw 50,000 people in Cape Town last March.
Mosimane's Achievements and Experience
In addition to making history at the World Cup, this experienced tactician led South Africa to the bronze medal at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire, which was the best continental result since 2000. Mosimane's inclusion in the list of contenders will generate huge enthusiasm among the country's fans. The 61-year-old former South African forward coached the national team for two years, starting in 2010, before being suddenly sacked after a draw with Ethiopia in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
After that, Mosimane restored his reputation by spending eight seasons at Mamelodi Sundowns, turning the Pretoria club into the undisputed leaders of domestic football, surpassing traditional giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. His biggest achievement with the 'Brazilians' was winning the CAF Champions League title in 2016.
Subsequently, he broke historical barriers in 2020 by becoming the first sub-African to lead the Egyptian giant Al Ahly, leading the team to three Champions League finals and winning two trophies. Since then, he has worked in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran.
Prospects for the New Team
Whoever takes over from SAFA will face an immediate test, as critical qualifying matches for the 2027 Africa Cup are scheduled for September and October, both at home against Guinea and away against Eritrea.