SAFA Confirms Hugo Broos Departure as Bafana Bafana Head Coach After 5 Years
- SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan officially confirmed Hugo Broos's exit at a media briefing at SAFA House on Friday
- Broos's contract expired after a five-year tenure that included a bronze medal at AFCON 2023 and a World Cup knockout stage appearance
- SAFA will now begin searching for a new head coach, with Pitso Mosimane reportedly the frontrunner to take charge
- Briefly News spoke exclusively to a football journalist on Broos' departure and what's next for Bafana Bafana
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed on Friday, 31 July 2026, that Hugo Broos has departed as Bafana Bafana head coach following the expiry of his contract.
Source: Getty Images
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan announced at a media briefing held at SAFA House.
"SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan confirms that Bafana Bafana Coach Hugo Broos is leaving the team today. I want to say Hugo Broos, thank you very much," Jordaan stated.
Watch the video below.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Broos leaves behind a transformed Bafana Bafana
The 74-year-old Belgian took the reins of the national team in May 2021 and oversaw one of the most successful periods in South African football history. Under his leadership, Bafana Bafana claimed a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and returned to the FIFA World Cup, where they advanced to the knockout stages for the first time.
Broos also drew considerable praise for his commitment to developing young talent, with several emerging players earning their international debuts during his tenure.
SAFA had hoped to retain Broos beyond his contract expiry, but the experienced coach opted against continuing in the role. He had previously indicated his readiness to step back from full-time management after nearly four decades in the profession, expressing a desire to spend more time with his family. He did, however, leave open the possibility of remaining connected to South African football in a scouting or advisory capacity.
Search for new coach begins
With Broos's departure now confirmed, SAFA faces the immediate task of appointing a new head coach ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Pitso Mosimane is reportedly the leading candidate to succeed Broos as Bafana Bafana's next head coach.
Briefly News spoke exclusively to football journalist Bongani Shushabino Mthimkhulu, who believes Hugo Broos leaves Bafana Bafana in a far stronger position than when he inherited the team in 2021.
Having covered the national team extensively and attended Broos' farewell press conference at SAFA House on Friday, Mthimkhulu said the Belgian's greatest achievement went beyond results.
"Hugo Broos leaves Bafana Bafana in a much stronger position than when he arrived in 2021. His biggest achievement was restoring belief and stability within the national team," Mthimkhulu told Briefly News.
The journalist explained that Broos built a disciplined squad by placing his faith in young players while retaining experienced leaders, creating a competitive environment that helped South Africa qualify for the FIFA World Cup after years away. He added that the 74-year-old's legacy should be judged not only by trophies and results but also by the identity and confidence he restored within the national team.
"While every coach has decisions that can be debated, Broos leaves with the respect of the players and a solid foundation for his successor," he said.
Looking ahead, Mthimkhulu believes SAFA should target another experienced European coach with a strong record in African football, naming Hervé Renard as his preferred choice because of his two Africa Cup of Nations triumphs and extensive tournament experience.
However, he believes Pitso Mosimane remains the frontrunner for the role.
"I believe the favourite to succeed Hugo Broos is Pitso Mosimane. He is South Africa's most accomplished coach, has won consistently at club level both domestically and on the continent, understands the local football landscape and commands respect. If SAFA opts for a South African coach, Pitso would be the standout candidate to continue Bafana Bafana's upward trajectory."
SAFA nullifies Emfuleni LFA elections
Briefly News previously reported that SAFA Sedibeng has nullified the Emfuleni LFA elections held on 19 July 2026 after finding that constitutional requirements around members in good standing were not met
The governance dispute has affected one of South Africa’s most important football nurseries, with more than 36 clubs reportedly staying away from ELFA competition
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
