Broos shares strong comments on Mosimane to Bafana Bafana

Broos transformed Bafana Bafana into a competitive force during his five-year tenure. He believes the appointment of Mosimane could take South African football backwards if the same influences he encountered return.

“South Africa still doesn’t have a manager. The candidate is Pitso Mosimane, a successful South African coach,” Broos told Nieuwsblad.

The Belgian coach, however, questioned whether Mosimane would be able to operate independently if he takes over the national team.

HUGO BROOS WARNS OVER PITSO MOSIMANE TO BAFANA BAFANA

Broos claimed that club owners and agents previously attempted to influence his squad selections, something he says he refused to tolerate during his time with Bafana Bafana.

“However, they know that if he comes, they will go back five years in time. Club owners and agents calling managers to influence the squad,” Broos said.

The former Bafana Bafana coach was particularly blunt about how he dealt with agents who attempted to contact him regarding players.

“I kicked them all out. If one called, I said bluntly: ‘I don’t talk with agents,’” he added.

Broos took charge of South Africa in May 2021 and went on to become the national team’s longest-serving head coach. His tenure produced 29 wins, 19 draws and 12 defeats in more than 60 official matches, while he also oversaw a significant cultural change within the national team.

His biggest achievement came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where Bafana Bafana secured a historic bronze medal. It was South Africa’s first AFCON podium finish in 24 years.

SOUTH AFRICA ACHIEVED UNDER BROOS

Broos also guided South Africa through qualification for successive AFCON tournaments before securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The World Cup qualification campaign ended the country’s long wait to return to football’s biggest stage. Broos subsequently led the team into the knockout rounds at the tournament in North America before concluding his five-year contract.

His departure has now left the South African Football Association searching for a successor. The latest report says Mosimane is set to be announced this week.

Mosimane is a hugely decorated South African coach, having won major honours with Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, including the CAF Champions League with both clubs.

The possibility of his return to Bafana Bafana would therefore represent a major appointment, but Broos’ comments have added another layer to the debate over who should lead the national team.

The new coach will inherit a squad that has developed significantly under Broos and will face pressure to maintain the progress made over the past five years.