Hugo Broos has revealed that SAFA president Danny Jordaan made a late attempt to convince him to remain involved with Bafana Bafana.
Broos had long planned to leave the national team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, believing the tournament would provide the ideal opportunity to bring his coaching career to an end.
However, his departure was far from straightforward.
Jordaan left the door open for Broos
According to Broos, Jordaan made it clear that the Belgian could return to the national team whenever he wanted.
The SAFA president reportedly told him: “We understand that you miss your family. Just write down when you want to come.”
That offer forced Broos to reconsider a decision he had already made.
The Belgian coach revealed that he only seriously considered remaining with Bafana during the final week of his time in South Africa.
“During that week, when I was there to wrap everything up, I changed my mind at least 10 times.”
Despite the uncertainty, Broos ultimately decided that the time was right to leave.
He explained that he felt uncomfortable seeking another position after previously announcing his intention to depart, while the demands of coaching Bafana for several years had also taken their toll.
Broos leaves Bafana after historic progress
Broos departs having overseen one of the most successful periods for the South African national team in recent years.
Under his leadership, Bafana Bafana finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations and reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
Those achievements made his exit a difficult one for South African football, with SAFA seemingly keen to keep the Belgian involved in some capacity.
But Broos eventually returned to Belgium, bringing an end to his time with Bafana.
Is Pitso Mosimane next?
Attention has now turned to the man widely expected to succeed Broos.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane is reportedly in line to take over the national team.
Mosimane would bring a wealth of experience to the position. He has won 20 major trophies during his managerial career, including five PSL titles and the 2016 CAF Champions League with Sundowns.
He later enjoyed further continental success with Al Ahly, guiding the Egyptian giants to back-to-back CAF Champions League triumphs in 2020 and 2021, as well as two FIFA Club World Cup bronze medals.
If Mosimane does take charge, he will inherit a Bafana side coming off a historic World Cup campaign — and the pressure to build on Broos’ achievements will be immense.
Would you have preferred Hugo Broos to stay, or is Pitso Mosimane the right man to lead Bafana Bafana into their next chapter?
