Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is expected to step down from his role as South Africa’s national team mentor after five years in charge.
The Belgian tactician took over in May 2021, replacing Molefi Ntseki, and has overseen a remarkable turnaround for the national team.
Under his leadership, Bafana Bafana secured consistent qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] and booked a return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
Ahead of the World Cup, Broos revealed in several media interviews that he intended to retire from coaching, citing his age and his desire to spend more time with his family.
iDiski Times understands that the South African Football Association offered Broos a contract extension that would have kept him in charge until the 2027 AFCON in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
However, the 74-year-old declined the offer, believing it came too late, with Bafana’s next fixture scheduled for 23 September and uncertainty surrounding the futures of some members of his technical team.
After the World Cup, Sinesipho Mali, who was serving as head tactical and performance analyst joined AmaZulu ahead of the start of the season.
On Thursday, conditioning coach Kopano Melesi announced his departure from the national team, while several Bafana players paid tribute to Broos on social media, thanking him for his contribution during his tenure.
SAFA has also called a press conference, where the association is expected to officially confirm Broos’ departure.
Attention will now turn to the search for a new head coach, with the 2027 AFCON qualifiers fast approaching.