Hugo Broos Shares Drastic Decision Helman Mkhalele Took After Leaving Bafana Bafana Coaching Job

• Former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos opened up about how his departure affected his assistant, Helman Mkhalele
• Broos revealed he changed his mind at least 10 times during his final week in South Africa before committing to leave
• Broos' wife proposed he stay on for another year in a different role, with Mkhalele stepping up as head coach

Former Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has disclosed that his exit from the national team left assistant coach Helman Mkhalele in a deeply uncertain position, with Mkhalele unwilling to carry on without him.

Broos, who has since returned to Belgium after a lengthy tenure with Bafana Bafana, shared the details in an interview with Belgian newspaper *Het Nieuwsblad*, describing his departure as far more emotionally charged than he had anticipated.

Mkhalele's loyalty tested Broos' decision

Speaking candidly, Broos revealed how strongly Mkhalele felt about the situation. "My assistant coach, Helman Mkhalele, too. He didn't want to stay without me," Broos said.

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The loyalty shown by Mkhalele was not the only factor weighing on Broos. His wife was also aware of the dilemma and actively encouraged him to explore alternatives. She put forward a compromise that gave Broos genuine pause. "She said, 'If you can stay for another year in a different role, with Helman as coach, then do it,'" Broos recalled.

The proposal would have seen Mkhalele elevated to the head coaching position while Broos remained in a supporting capacity — an arrangement that, for a time, appeared to offer a way forward for both men.

Broos changed his mind 10 Times

Despite having committed to retirement following the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Broos admitted the circumstances pushed him to repeatedly reconsider. He described his final week in South Africa as particularly turbulent.

"During that week, when I was there to wrap everything up, I changed my mind at least 10 times," he said.

The appreciation shown to him during those final weeks only made the eventual goodbye harder. Ultimately, Broos concluded that stepping away was the right call after years of intensive work with the national side.

For Mkhalele, the outcome meant parting ways with a coach he had worked alongside for years. Broos' account underscores just how close the two had grown during their shared spell at the helm of South African football.

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Mosimane's Bafana salary negotiations under the spotlight

Briefly News previously reported that Pitso Mosimane's return to Bafana Bafana has also brought renewed attention to the financial side of the national team job. Reports surrounding his negotiations with SAFA have placed his proposed package under scrutiny.

The figures have also revived comparisons with what previous Bafana coaches were reportedly paid, including Mosimane himself during his first spell in charge.

Source: Briefly News