The clock has run out on Hugo Broos’ historic tenure. As of today, July 31, 2026, the 74-year-old Belgian tactician officially reaches the end of his five-year contract with the South African Football Association (SAFA), leaving the national team head coach position vacant heading into August.
Appointed in May 2021, Broos departs as Bafana Bafana’s longest-serving head coach in history after overseeing 60 official matches and engineering a remarkable renaissance for South African football.
Hugo Broos: The Numbers Behind the Legacy
Broos leaves the South African national setup in a vastly superior position compared to when he arrived five years ago:
- Total Matches: 60 Games
- Record: 29 Wins | 19 Draws | 12 Losses
- Goals Scored: 92
- Goals Conceded: 62
- Key Achievements:
- 2023 AFCON: Bronze Medal in Ivory Coast (First podium finish since 2000).
- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Led Bafana Bafana to an unprecedented berth in the World Cup knockout stages.
Who’s Next? Over 80 Applicants Line Up for the Top Job
With Broos expected to retire from full-time coaching to spend time with family, SAFA Technical Committee Chairperson Jack Maluleke confirmed that over 80 applications have already been submitted for the Bafana head coaching role.
- Pitso Mosimane: Has formally applied to take charge for a second stint with the national team.
- Benni McCarthy & Rulani Mokwena: Despite heavy fan backing across social media, both coaches have officially opted not to submit applications for the post.
SAFA is expected to hold an official press briefing at SAFA House to confirm the transition plan and outline the roadmap for appointing the next head coach ahead of upcoming qualifiers.
