Hugo Broos coy over Bafana future after World Cup exit

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos was coy when pressed about his future as the South African national team boss following their exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 1996 African champions suffered a heartbreaking defeat to co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32, with Stephen Estaquiou netting in stoppage to abruptly end proceedings.

Notably, it was Bafana's debut in the World Cup knockout stages having previously failed to achieve the feat in the 1998, 2002, and the 2010 editions of the global showpiece.

Now, having defied the odds in the group stages, Broos refrained from delving deep into his immediate future, opting to keep his cards close to his chest when quizzed.

“First of all, I'm always open if people need advice, no problem. Secondly, again, I will see in the next days what I will do for the future. I always said this is my last World Cup and it is my last World Cup, that is for sure,” said the Belgian mentor.

"But what will happen in the next days and weeks also depends a little bit on how South Africa see the future with me and then we will see. I will not answer on that question at the moment.

Despite his future increasingly uncertain, the veteran tactician says Bafana have a plethora of talented youngsters to succeed the seasoned professional if needed.

“I know there are players who are 29 and 30 years old, so we have to look at the future as well. But I think there were some young players still on the bench, so the future is little by little secured,” Broos added.

"I am not saying that tomorrow we have to take everyone out and put all the younger players, it wouldn't be good. But for the future I think we have to give them a little more chance when we start the qualifiers for AFCON.

"And what I mean is that the future is secured, there are players who can take over if we need and want to.

Whether the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Broos will end their five-year working relationship remains to be seen amid a host of applications for the post.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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