How Danny Jordaan tried to keep Broos at Bafana Bafana

Broos had already announced his intention to leave Bafana Bafana after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Belgian believed the tournament would be the perfect moment to end his coaching career.

However, his plans changed during the final stages of his time in South Africa. Broos revealed that Jordaan told him he could return whenever he wanted.

SAFA LEFT THE BAFANA BAFANA DOOR OPEN

“The federation president even said: ‘We understand that you miss your family. Just write down when you want to come.’” The comments came during a wide-ranging interview with Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.

Broos admitted that Jordaan’s words made him seriously reconsider his future with Bafana Bafana. “So only a week before the match did I consider returning to South Africa,” he revealed.

The Belgian was already preparing to leave when the possibility of staying suddenly became real. He said he changed his mind repeatedly during his final week.

“During that week, when I was there to wrap everything up, I changed my mind at least 10 times.” Despite the invitation, Broos ultimately decided against extending his stay.

He explained that he felt embarrassed to ask for another role after previously announcing his departure. His decision was also influenced by the demands of coaching Bafana Bafana for several years.

Broos eventually returned to Belgium after overseeing a period of significant progress. Bafana Bafana finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations and reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.

In the meantime, former Mameodi Sundowns and Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane is expected to be announced as Broos’ successor.

Mosimane is one of Africa’s most successful football managers. He has lifted 20 major trophies throughout his career. His most dominant period came at Sundowns, where he won five Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles and the 2016 CAF Champions League, earning himself the CAF Coach of the Year award.

He followed this success at Egyptian giants Al Ahly. He guided them to back-to-back CAF Champions League titles in 2020 and 2021 alongside two FIFA Club World Cup bronze medals.

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