Hugo Broos has confirmed his departure as head coach of South Africa’s national football team after leading Bafana Bafana to their first FIFA World Cup knockout-stage appearance, but said he could remain involved in another role.

The 74-year-old leaves his post as the longest-serving manager in Bafana history after taking the reins in June 2021, a highly successful five-year tenure that culminated in South Africa famously reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time.

Broos had repeatedly stated that the 2026 showpiece in North America would mark the definitive end of his dugout career, but his comments following Bafana’s heroic tournament run had left some lingering uncertainty over whether he could extend his stay.

However, speaking directly to Belgian publication Voetbalnieuws, Broos insisted his decision to step away from the rigours of coaching is final.

“Will I continue as a coach after all? No, it is irreversible!” Broos declared.

”If they need me for something else, perhaps in scouting, that is something else. But football is no longer going to be a part of my life 24 hours a day.”

Broos revealed that he has already held initial discussions with South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan, who is eager for the Belgian to remain closely involved with the national team setup in a high-level advisory capacity.

”I have already had a conversation with the chairman of the South African federation. He would like to keep me, but in a different role, as an advisor or something like that,” Broos said.

“I will return at the end of July to say a final farewell; I am curious to see what he will propose to me.”

Whilst elite coaching may now be behind him, Broos joked that his wife has already made it clear retirement should not mean spending all of his newfound spare time around the house.

”My wife is happy that I’m quitting, but she’s already warned me: ‘Just make sure you don’t get in my way!’” he laughed.

”Suppose I have to be in South Africa for a few weeks every two months: why not? Better that than being a nuisance at home because I have nothing to do.”

First published by IOL