Process will start soon, say Safa regarding search for Hugo Broos' successor

The future of Hugo Broos as Bafana Bafana coach remains uncertain, with Safa set to begin the process of finding his replacement, after he initially announced he would step down and retire following next month’s Fifa World Cup.

Broos has enjoyed an illustrious five-year stint with Bafana. He has led the team to back-to-back Afcons and the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. His no-nonsense demeanour and selection criteria – favouring merit and loyalty over popularity – have fuelled his success, with many fans feeling the team could regress after his departure this winter.

However, Safa president Danny Jordaan hinted they would sit down with the Belgian after the World Cup and try to convince him to stay on a little longer while handing over to his successor without pressure.

Broos appeared open to the idea, telling the media he may have spoken too soon about retiring and returning home to spend time with his grandchildren, which is why he will revisit the matter after the global showpiece in America.

Discussions between Safa and Broos have yet to take place, with Safa NEC member and technical committee chairperson Jack Maluleke revealing during a two-day NEC meeting at Safa House over the weekend that the association would soon begin the search for Broos’ successor.

“We are here to tell you that the process will start soon to recruit another potential coach,” Maluleke said.

“We want to plead with you to give us space and support because we’ll never let the nation down. Already, the standard Broos has set is high.”

Maluleke said Safa was not closing the door on extending Broos’ stay, but could not rely on that happening without an agreement in place, especially with other commitments looming after the World Cup, including the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.

“There are rumours that Safa is negotiating with Hugo Broos, but as far as I know as the technical chair, we haven’t reached that stage yet,” Maluleke said.

“However, we’ve left the door open should Broos want to continue. He can also make a presentation to say, ‘I am available’. We won’t close that space. But for now, we have to start the process of finding a new coach based on the timeline of events.

“We are aware that immediately after the World Cup, the team must proceed with other qualifiers. We are not closing the door on anyone, including Hugo Broos. If he is interested, he must come and present, and then we’ll take it from there.”