Former Hugo Broos has revealed just how close he came to reversing his decision to leave South Africa national football team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Belgian coach had previously made it clear that the World Cup would mark the end of his time with Bafana Bafana. However, as the tournament drew closer, the reality of leaving South Africa began to weigh heavily on him.
Broos admits leaving became increasingly difficult
Speaking to Belgian publication Het Nieuwsblad, Broos admitted that he underestimated the emotional impact of ending his Bafana Bafana tenure.
He explained that the closer his departure came, the more people urged him to reconsider.
The coach had also developed strong relationships with people around the national team, meaning his exit was not simply a professional decision.
Even his driver was affected by the prospect of Broos returning to Belgium, as his departure would mean the end of that job.
Those personal connections reportedly contributed to Broos reconsidering his plans.
Broos even discussed staying with his wife
The veteran coach admitted that he began seriously thinking about extending his stay and even discussed the possibility with his wife.
The situation became particularly interesting when SAFA president Danny Jordaan reportedly left the door open for Broos to return whenever he wanted.
Broos revealed that Jordaan essentially told him that the federation understood his desire to spend more time with his family and that he could simply indicate when he wanted to return.
That offer came shortly before Bafana Bafana’s final match.
For Broos, it created a genuine dilemma.
Why Broos ultimately walked away
Despite seriously considering another spell with Bafana Bafana, Broos ultimately decided against making the request.
He felt awkward about asking to stay after previously announcing that the World Cup would be his final assignment.
In the end, the Belgian accepted that it was time to close the chapter.
His departure comes after a memorable period in South African football, during which Bafana Bafana achieved several important milestones.
South Africa secured a third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations and also reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
Those achievements have left Broos with a significant legacy.
What comes next for Bafana Bafana?
The big question now is whether South Africa can maintain its progress without the experienced Belgian at the helm.
Broos leaves behind a team that has shown greater belief on the international stage, but the next coach will face the difficult task of building on that foundation.
For Bafana supporters, there is also the intriguing thought of what might have happened if Broos had accepted the opportunity to stay.
Could Bafana Bafana have achieved even more under Hugo Broos?
