South Africa: Hugo Broos officially steps down as Bafana Bafana coach

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has officially announced the departure of Hugo Broos. After five years at the helm of Bafana Bafana, the Belgian tactician leaves behind the legacy of a head coach who profoundly transformed South African football, capturing a continental medal and marking a triumphant return to the world stage.

The end of an era in South Africa is now official. The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed on Friday, July 31, that Hugo Broos is stepping down as his contract has come to an end. At 74 years old, the Belgian coach has chosen not to extend his adventure with Bafana Bafana, opting instead to return to Belgium and devote more time to his family.

Appointed in May 2021 during a period of sporting crisis, Hugo Broos inherited a squad short on results and confidence. Over five years, he managed to rebuild the team by relying on a new generation of players, while instilling discipline and a playing identity that saw Bafana Bafana reclaim their status among Africa's footballing elite.

A record that will go down in history

Under the Belgian's stewardship, South Africa played 60 matches, recording 29 victories, 19 draws, and 12 defeats, scoring 92 goals and conceding 62.

Beyond the numbers, his tenure will be remembered for several historic achievements. He led Bafana Bafana to a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, secured qualification for the 2025 AFCON, and, most notably, returned South Africa to the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time since they hosted the tournament in 2010.

At the 2026 World Cup, Broos wrote another chapter in the nation’s football story by guiding Bafana Bafana to their first-ever appearance in the round of 16.

The architect of a renaissance

Before his South African adventure, Hugo Broos had already made his mark on the continent by winning the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon. His wealth of experience helped accelerate the rebuilding of South African football, which had long been searching for stability after several disappointing campaigns.

His willingness to trust young talents, combined with high tactical demands, enabled the team to recapture lasting competitiveness.

Hugo Broos’s departure now opens a new chapter for SAFA. His successor will inherit an ambitious, competitive squad riding the wave of historic results. More than just a head coach, the Belgian leaves behind the image of a true architect—one who reignited hope across the nation and put Bafana Bafana back on the global football map.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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