By Adegboyega Adeleye
South Africa have dismissed reports that Hugo Broos has stepped down as Bafana Bafana head coach following the team’s historic 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
According to ESPN, the South African Football Association (SAFA) said in an official statement on Friday that the Belgian remains in charge of the national team, rejecting reports that he had ended his five-year spell after South Africa’s Round of 32 exit at the World Cup.
The clarification follows a report by Belgian outlet Voetbalnieuws, which claimed the 74-year-old had described his decision to leave as “irreversible” and suggested SAFA president Danny Jordaan was considering another role for him.
However, the South African federation insisted the reports were false.
“The South African Football Association (SAFA) has dismissed claims that mentor Hugo Broos has left his role as the head coach of the South African senior men’s national team,” the statement read.
“Broos remains as the head coach of Bafana Bafana and reports claiming the contrary are completely false.”
SAFA noted that similar speculation surfaced after the team won bronze at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, when Broos was linked with the Tunisia job, but he remained in charge.
The federation also highlighted South Africa’s achievement at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history after defeating South Korea 1-0 in their final group match before losing to Canada in the Round of 32.
According to SAFA, Broos is currently at his home in Belgium and is expected to return to South Africa later this month.
Broos had been expected to leave after the World Cup when his contract expired, although he indicated during the tournament that he was open to extending his stay.
The 74-year-old has transformed South Africa’s fortunes since taking charge, guiding Bafana Bafana to an AFCON bronze medal and their best-ever FIFA World Cup performance. His future has also sparked speculation linking former South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane with a possible return to the national team.
