Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos seems to have had a change of heart about retiring after their World Cup exit.
Image: BackpagePix
Defender Aubrey Modiba believes Hugo Broos should remain in charge of Bafana Bafana beyond the FIFA World Cup, insisting the veteran Belgian still has “unfinished business” with South African football.
Uncertainty surrounding Broos’ future intensified following Bafana’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Canada in the round of 32 on Sunday. The 74-year-old had strongly suggested before the tournament that the World Cup would likely mark the end of his coaching career. However, his tone shifted noticeably after South Africa’s elimination in Los Angeles.
Broos stopped short of confirming his departure during the post-match press conference, admitting the emotional nature of the defeat made it difficult to immediately make such a major decision.
“It’s not clever to take decisions when you’re disappointed,” Broos said after the match. “We’ll see in the next days what I’ll do for the future. For sure, this is my last World Cup.”
Those comments have now opened the door to the possibility of Broos remaining in charge heading into next year’s Africa Cup of Nations. And Modiba hopes that becomes reality.
“I hope he stays, I hope he stays,” the Bafana fullback said when asked about the coach’s future. “He’s still got a little unfinished business with the AFCON, so I hope he stays.”
Broos leaves this World Cup having guided South Africa to one of the greatest achievements in the nation’s football history. Bafana reached the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup for the first time through qualification, while also restoring belief around the national team after years of inconsistency and disappointment.
For Modiba, Broos’ influence extends far beyond results alone.
“[He’s had a] very positive impact, and I think he’s changed South African football, if we’re being honest,” Modiba explained. “We haven’t properly qualified for these major tournaments before, but he’s changed that.”
Since arriving in South Africa, Broos has overseen a dramatic cultural shift inside Bafana. The team secured a bronze medal at AFCON before following that success with their historic World Cup run, while younger players such as Relebohile Mofokeng, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Ime Okon emerged as important figures for the future during the tournament.
Broos has repeatedly spoken about changing the mentality inside the national setup, and Modiba believes that transformation is now clearly visible on the pitch.
“[He’s changed] the mentality of the players, and the way we approach matches, because right now, we don’t fear anyone,” Modiba said. “Irrespective of the names or whatever. Now, we believe in ourselves, and we believe that we can match any team.”
After years of instability around Bafana, that belief may ultimately become one of Broos’ greatest legacies — whether he decides to continue or not.