Hugo Broos confirms South Africa will be his final coaching chapter

At 73, Belgian tactician Hugo Broos has announced his impending retirement, with South Africa marking the final stop in his illustrious career. In an exclusive interview, Broos revealed he’ll step down as Bafana Bafana coach between January and July 2026—either after a failed World Cup qualification bid or following the tournament itself.

“This time it’s definitive,” Broos emphasized, dismissing past retirement rumors. “I’ll either leave in January if we miss qualification or after the World Cup if we make it.” His tenure’s climax now hinges on securing South Africa’s spot at the 2026 finals, adding high stakes to his swan song.

Having revitalized the squad since 2021—including a recent Africa Cup of Nations semifinal run—Broos aims to cap his career by returning South Africa to football’s biggest stage.

His departure will close a 45-year chapter that saw him lift Cameroon’s 2017 AFCON trophy and reshape multiple national teams.

For Bafana Bafana, the countdown begins: either a January transition or a farewell on the global arena. Either way, Broos’ exit will mark the end of an era.