Hugo Broos took over as Bafana Bafana head coach on 5 May 2021, inheriting a team that had failed to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and had fallen well below its historical standards. During his tenure, he rebuilt the squad around younger players and restored South Africa’s competitiveness.
Overall Record (2021–2026)
As he concluded his tenure:
- Matches: 60
- Wins: 29
- Draws: 19
- Losses: 12
- Win rate: 48.3%
Major Achievements
Qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Guided South Africa to its first FIFA World Cup since 2010.
- Ended a 16-year absence from the tournament.
2023 Africa Cup of Nations
- Finished third after defeating DR Congo on penalties in the bronze-medal match.
- This was South Africa’s best AFCON finish since 2000.
2026 FIFA World Cup
- Led Bafana Bafana to the knockout stage for the first time in South African history.
- South Africa was eliminated by co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32.
Notable Records
- Longest-serving Bafana Bafana coach in the professional era.
- Took charge of 60 international matches, surpassing previous long-serving coaches.
Legacy
Hugo Broos leaves Bafana Bafana as one of the country’s most successful national team coaches. While he did not win a trophy with South Africa, he transformed a struggling side into one that:
- returned to the FIFA World Cup,
- achieved its best AFCON performance in over two decades,
- reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time,
- and re-established itself as one of Africa’s stronger national teams.
