After Bafana Bafana's 2-1 quarterfinal defeat to Cameroon at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, coach Hugo Broos reflected on the disappointment upon returning home but praised the stable foundations built since 2021, restoring team chemistry and fan passion ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Returning via OR Tambo International Airport after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Broos addressed the sting of elimination. "It was very tough after the game against Cameroon. For me, but also for South Africans. We wanted to come back with the trophy and there were possibilities for us. We had the talent. But Afcon is a very tough tournament and you need some luck, too," he told SABC, noting improved chemistry from preparations.
Appointed in May 2021 at age 69 amid a struggling side, Broos has outlasted predecessors, becoming the longest-serving head coach—surpassing Clive Barker's four-year tenure that won Afcon. Under his leadership, Bafana qualified for two straight Afcons and a fourth World Cup since readmission to global football. Safa's support has enabled rare stability, fostering a core squad and packed home crowds with fervent support.
Broos plans to step down after the 2026 Fifa World Cup (June 11 onward, co-hosted by Mexico, USA, Canada), targeting South Africa's first knockout stage there in 16 years. Despite calls to leave early, he shrugged off criticism: "When you win matches, you don’t have people against you. People only start talking when there is a defeat." Ignoring social media after nearly 40 years coaching, he prioritizes work.
His successor inherits a predictable, backed program—though more is expected from a resourced nation.
