South Africa’s national football association has confirmed the departure of Hugo Broos as Bafana Bafana coach, with high-profile candidates including Pitso Mosimane applying for the position.

A national football association official, who requested anonymity as he is not an official spokesperson, revealed on Friday that numerous applications have been received for the post.

“Hugo may continue to work with the national team, but in a different capacity,” the insider said. “There have been numerous applications for the post of national coach and Pitso is among them.”

The Belgian tactician told magazine Humo that he has discussed his future with South African Football Association chairman Danny Jordaan, who has proposed a new advisory role.

“He would like to keep me, but in a different role, as an advisor or something like that,” Broos said. “I am returning at the end of July to say my final goodbyes.”

The 74-year-old added that his wife is pleased with his decision to step down from the demanding position. “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,” he said.

Broos confirmed to Belgian media this week that he was honouring a decision made several months ago to retire following South Africa’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Historic World Cup campaign

Bafana Bafana finished runners-up to co-hosts Mexico in Group A and reached the knockout stage for the first time in the country’s history, before losing to Canada in the round of 32.

Speaking to AFP ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Broos said he wanted to spend more time with his family. “I am 74 years old, I cannot continue to spend every day of every week concentrating solely on football,” he explained.

The Belgian has been credited with transforming South African football from a team that attracted just 200 spectators to a game into one watched by a capacity 50 000 crowd in Cape Town in March 2025.

Beyond creating World Cup history, Broos guided South Africa to third place at the 2024 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast — their best finish since also claiming third at the 2000 edition co-hosted by Nigeria and Ghana.

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Mosimane’s credentials

Mosimane previously coached South Africa for two years from 2010 before being dismissed after a home draw with Ethiopia in a 2014 World Cup qualifier.

The 61-year-old then transformed Mamelodi Sundowns during an eight-season spell, turning the Pretoria club into the dominant force in South African football ahead of traditional giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

His greatest achievement with Sundowns came in 2016 when he led them to victory in the CAF Champions League, the continent’s elite club competition.

Mosimane made history in 2020 as the first sub-Saharan African to coach Egyptian giants Al Ahly, taking the Cairo club to three consecutive Champions League finals and winning two titles.

The former South Africa forward has since coached clubs in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

Immediate challenges

Whoever is appointed will face an immediate test, with 2027 Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled for September and October. South Africa will host Guinea before travelling to Eritrea.

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