Former South Africa head coach, Pitso Mosimane, is among the candidates who have applied to replace Hugo Broos as Bafana Bafana coach following confirmation that the Belgian will step down from the role.
A senior official within the South African Football Association, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak publicly, disclosed that Broos could remain involved with the national team in another capacity.
“Hugo may continue to work with the national team, but in a different capacity,” said the insider.
“There have been numerous applications for the post of national coach and Pitso (Mosimane) is among them,” he added.
Broos also confirmed his impending departure in an interview with Belgian magazine Humo, revealing that SAFA president Danny Jordaan had expressed interest in retaining him in an advisory position.
“I have already had a conversation with the chairman of the South African football federation (Danny Jordaan).
“He would like to keep me, but in a different role, as an advisor or something like that. I am returning at the end of July to say my final goodbyes.
“I am curious to see what he (Jordaan) will propose. My wife is happy that I am quitting, but she has also already warned me: ‘Just make sure you do not get in my way’.
“Suppose I have to be in South Africa for a few weeks every two months — why not? Better that than walking around at home being a nuisance because I have nothing to do.”
The 74-year-old had previously announced that he would retire once South Africa’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an end.
His side reached the knockout phase for the first time after finishing second behind co-hosts Mexico in Group A before losing to Canada in the round of 32.
Speaking to AFP before the tournament, Broos explained that family considerations influenced his decision to leave the dugout.
“I am 74 years old, I cannot continue to spend every day of every week concentrating solely on football,” he explained.
“I want to spend more time with my wife, children and grandchildren.”
Broos leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having revitalised Bafana Bafana from a struggling side that once attracted crowds of only about 200 spectators to one capable of filling a 50,000-seat stadium, as seen in Cape Town earlier this year.
He also guided South Africa to a third-place finish at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, their best performance at the tournament since claiming bronze at the 2000 edition co-hosted by Nigeria and Ghana.
Among the leading contenders to replace him is Mosimane, who previously managed the South African national team between 2010 and 2012 before being dismissed after a home draw against Ethiopia in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The former Bafana Bafana forward later enjoyed an outstanding spell with Mamelodi Sundowns, spending eight seasons at the club and establishing them as South Africa’s dominant force.
His biggest success came in 2016 when he led Sundowns to the CAF Champions League title.
Mosimane made history in 2020 by becoming the first coach from sub-Saharan Africa to take charge of Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
During his time in Cairo, he guided the club to three consecutive CAF Champions League finals, winning two of them.
The 61-year-old has also managed clubs in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iran.
The new South Africa coach will immediately turn attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, beginning with a home fixture against Guinea before an away clash with Eritrea in September and October.
