The tournament will mark the end of an era for Hugo Broos, who is preparing for his swansong not only as Bafana Bafana coach, but also in his distinguished coaching career.

It is a fitting stage for Broos to bow out. His final international appearance as a player for Belgium came during the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City – the very city where South Africa will launch their 2026 campaign.

Last year, when South Africa hosted Nigeria in Bloemfontein during the World Cup qualifiers, Broos told OFM Sport reaching the World Cup as a coach would be the perfect way to close the chapter on his career.

“It’s also, for me, a big ambition to be there. I was there as a player at the World Cup, but I really want to be there as a coach. I will be 74 years old next year, and I think it’s a very nice moment to end my career. So, let’s hope we can achieve it.”

Since his appointment in 2021, Broos has transformed Bafana Bafana into a team the nation can once again be proud of. Under his guidance, South Africa secured qualification for the global showpiece for the first time in 16 years.

Helman Mkhalele and Hugo Broos. Photo: Morgan Piek

The last time South Africa appeared at a FIFA World Cup was in 2010, when the country hosted the tournament.

Monday marked exactly one month until the World Cup kicks off, with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. In a remarkable twist of fate, the last time South Africa featured at the World Cup, Bafana Bafana also faced Mexico in the tournament opener – that time at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

With the squad for the global spectacle expected to be announced any day now, Bafana Bafana are entering the final stretch of what has been a highly successful Broos era.

SAFA Technical Committee chairperson Jack Maluleke confirmed the process of identifying Broos’ successor is about to begin. He added the association is confident it will appoint a coach capable of continuing the high standards set by the Belgian mentor.

“For now, we are focused on the Football World Cup,” said Maluleke. According to the agreement with the coach, this will be Hugo Broos’ final tournament at the World Cup.

“As the technical committee, we want to inform the nation the process of recruiting a potential successor will begin soon. We ask for space and support during this process, as we are committed to maintaining the high standard that Hugo Broos has set.”

Hugo Broos. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Further updates on the recruitment process will be communicated through the communication department, and at the appropriate time after the World Cup, we will announce Hugo Broos’ successor.”

South Africa’s highly anticipated World Cup campaign kicks off on 11 June at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg