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Hugo Broos will oversee his 50th match as Bafana Bafana coach against Angola at AFCON.

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Herman Gibbs|Published

Hugo Broos’ 50th: Bafana Bafana to face Angola in their AFCON opener in Morocco.

Image: Backpagepix

Hugo Broos, the charismatic coach of Bafana Bafana, is on the threshold of celebrating a significant milestone in his managerial career.

On Monday, Broos will take charge of his 50th match as head coach of South Africa's national football team, facing Angola in an AFCON contest that could have significant historical and competitive implications for the squad.

Broos, who has been at the helm since 2021, has led the team's improvement, as evidenced by a 53% win rate.

Ahead of the milestone match, statistics reveal that under his guidance, the team has achieved 26 wins, 16 draws, and suffered just seven defeats, reflecting his strategic prowess and commitment to rejuvenating the squad.

"It's more than just a number; it's about the progress we've made and the bonds we've built," Broos remarked, highlighting the sense of unity and resilience that has developed within the team during his tenure.

His ability to inspire confidence and instil a sense of purpose has transformed Bafana Bafana into a formidable force on the African football scene.

The upcoming clash with Angola follows a recent preparatory match against Ghana, in which the approach was tactical.

Played at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday, the fixture gave Broos a chance to assess his squad without the pressure of an official match.

This opportunity further underscores his intent to sculpt a competitive side as the Africa Cup of Nations and various qualifiers loom on the horizon.

As the spirit of the game invigorates fans of South African football, Broos will mark his 50th match not just as a milestone but as a celebration of the journey and aspirations ahead.

With the upcoming Angola match, excitement and anticipation are growing, symbolising both the coach's achievements and the team's potential to reach new heights in continental football.

As fans rally behind Bafana Bafana, this landmark encounter not only recognises Broos' accomplishments but may also mark a new chapter in their quest for glory.

The match against Angola promises a spectacle befitting a coach who has dedicated himself to rebuilding a legacy in South African football.

Measuring success for Bafana Bafana involves a balance of silverware, win percentages, and long-term stability, and so this is how the Top-Three of the most successful Bafana coaches ever looks:

  1. Clive Barker (1994–1997): "The Dog" remains the undisputed number one. He led South Africa to its only Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1996 and secured the nation’s first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification for France '98. His tenure saw Bafana reach their highest FIFA ranking of 16th.

  2. Hugo Broos (2021–Present): With a win rate of approximately 53%, Broos has revitalized the squad. He led the team to a bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON and has successfully qualified them for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, restoring the team's status as a continental powerhouse.

  3. Shakes Mashaba (Multiple Stints): Statistically one of the most efficient, Mashaba boasts one of the highest win percentages (approx. 55%). He famously led the team to an unbeaten qualifying run for the 2015 AFCON.