Hugo Broos calls time on Bafana coaching career
The 74-year-old Belgian made the announcement after weeks of uncertainty following Bafana Bafana's World Cup campaign.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has officially confirmed his departure from the South African national team, bringing the curtain down on a historic five-year tenure that saw him become the country’s longest-serving coach and guide the side to its first FIFA World Cup knockout stage appearance.
The 74-year-old Belgian made the announcement after weeks of uncertainty following Bafana Bafana’s World Cup campaign, where South Africa reached the last 32 before being eliminated by co-hosts Canada on June 28.
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Although Broos had repeatedly stated before the tournament that he intended to retire after the World Cup, his post-match comments had fuelled speculation that he could reconsider and extend his stay.
However, speaking to Belgian publication Voetbalnieuws, Broos said his coaching career had come to an end.
“Will I continue as a coach after all? No, it is irreversible! If they need me for something else, perhaps in scouting, that is something else,” he said.
But football is no longer going to be a part of my life 24 hours a day.
Broos revealed he had already spoken to South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan, who is keen for him to remain involved with the national team in an advisory capacity.
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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.
Broos said while he was open to contributing in a less demanding role, his days of coaching full-time were over.
“My wife is happy that I’m quitting, but she’s already warned me: ‘Just make sure you don’t get in my way’,” he said.
“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.”
Appointed Bafana Bafana coach in June 2021, Broos transformed the fortunes of the national side during his tenure.
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Under his leadership, South Africa qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years and made history by reaching the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time.
His five-year spell also made him the longest-serving head coach in Bafana Bafana’s history, earning widespread praise for rebuilding the national team and restoring belief in South African football.
While Broos has ruled out remaining in the dugout, his comments suggest his association with South African football may not yet be over if discussions with SAFA regarding an advisory or scouting role are successful.
