By Levy Masiteng
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has dismissed reports that Hugo Broos has stepped down as head coach of the senior men’s national team, insisting the Belgian remains in charge of Bafana Bafana.
SAFA said Broos is currently at his home in Belgium following South Africa’s FIFA World Cup campaign and is expected to return to South Africa later this month.
The association was responding to widespread reports on Thursday claiming the 74-year-old had decided to retire from coaching after ending his five-year tenure with Bafana Bafana.
The reports followed comments Broos reportedly made during an interview in Belgium, in which he described his decision to stop coaching as “irreversible”.
He was also quoted as saying he could remain involved in football in an advisory or scouting role and planned to return to South Africa later this month to bid farewell.
However, SAFA dismissed the reports.
“Broos remains the head coach of Bafana Bafana and reports claiming the contrary are completely false,” the association said.
“It is not the first time that the Belgian mentor has been linked with an exit shortly after the South African senior men’s national team has performed well at an international tournament.”
SAFA recalled that in March 2024, Broos was linked with the Tunisia national team just weeks after guiding Bafana Bafana to a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
The association said Broos had only recently returned from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he led South Africa to its best-ever performance at the global showpiece.
Broos returned to South Africa with the squad earlier this month before travelling to Belgium for a short break.
“The coach is currently at home in Belgium and will return to South Africa later this month,” SAFA said.
The latest speculation follows weeks of uncertainty over Broos’ future. Before the World Cup, he repeatedly indicated the tournament would mark the end of his coaching career.
However, after Bafana Bafana’s historic run to the last 32, Broos said he would take time before making a final decision, while SAFA president Danny Jordaan indicated discussions would be held on the coach’s future.
