As we bid farewell to Hugo Broos, it is with immense gratitude that we reflect on Bafana Bafana’s remarkable transformation under his leadership. When he took over in 2021, the national team had become a source of disappointment. Five years later, he leaves behind a team restored to pride, competitiveness, and continental respect.
He led Bafana to a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, our first top three finish in over 20 years. He went on to achieve what many thought impossible by qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup and guiding the team to its first-ever knockout stage appearance. Bold and often stubborn, he entrusted a new generation of young, largely local players with the responsibility of representing SA.
He leaves behind a solid foundation for the next coach.
•Solly Mamabolo, Midrand
- Hugo Broos became the coach of Bafana Bafana in 2021 when the team was performing poorly.
- Under his leadership, Bafana Bafana won a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, their first top three finish in over 20 years.
- Broos led Bafana Bafana to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and guided them to their first-ever knockout stage appearance.
- He promoted a new generation of young, largely local players to represent South Africa.
- Broos leaves behind a solid foundation for the next coach of Bafana Bafana.
