Hugo Broos has confirmed that he will not continue as Bafana Bafana coach, bringing an end to uncertainty surrounding his future following South Africa’s impressive FIFA World Cup campaign.
The 74-year-old Belgian had indicated before the tournament that he intended to retire, but after South Africa’s exit to co-hosts Canada in the last 32 on 28 June 2026, he admitted he was considering extending his stay.
Broos has now made it clear that he has decided to step away from coaching.
In an interview with Belgian publication voetbalnieuws.be, the veteran coach said he has no intention of reversing his retirement decision.
He said, however, that he would be willing to remain involved with the South African Football Association in a non-coaching capacity, including scouting or serving as an advisor.
“Will I continue as a coach after all? No, it is irreversible,” Broos said.
“If they need me for something else, perhaps in scouting, that is something else. But football is no longer going to be a part of my life 24 hours a day.”
Broos disclosed that he has already held discussions with SAFA president Danny Jordaan, who has expressed an interest in retaining his services in another role.
He said he is expected to return to South Africa at the end of July to bid farewell and hear what proposal SAFA has for him.
“I have already had a conversation with the chairman of the South African Football Association. He would like to keep me, but in a different role, as an advisor or something like that. I will return at the end of July to say a final farewell. I am curious to see what he will propose to me,” he said.
Broos spent five years in charge of Bafana Bafana, making him the longest-serving coach in the national team’s history.
During his tenure, he guided South Africa back to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years and led the side to a historic first appearance in the knockout stages.
Broos also joked that while his wife was delighted about his retirement, she had made it clear that he should not spend all his time at home.
“My wife is happy that I’m quitting, but she’s already warned me: ‘Just make sure you don’t get in my way!’
“Suppose I have to be in South Africa for a few weeks every two months: why not? Better that than being a nuisance at home because I have nothing to do,” he said.
