When Belgian coach Hugo Broos was appointed to lead Bafana Bafana in May 2021, there were doubts about his ability to revive the struggling national team. Four years later, he has guided South Africa to their first World Cup qualification in 23 years — excluding their automatic qualification as hosts in 2010.
Bafana secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-1 victory against Rwanda in Mbombela on Tuesday night, marking a historic milestone for South African football.
Broos, who famously led a young Cameroon side to victory at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, was tasked by the South African Football Association (Safa) with rebuilding Bafana Bafana — a team plagued by years of underachievement and repeated failures to qualify for major tournaments.
When he took over, Bafana had just missed out on the 2021 Afcon under former coach Molefi Ntseki, continuing a disappointing trend of inconsistent performances. However, Broos’ arrival ushered in a new era, marked by youth development, discipline, and improved performances.
The 72-year-old’s outspoken personality and early decision to exclude senior players like Themba Zwane initially sparked criticism, but his methods have since been vindicated. Under his leadership, the team achieved their best Afcon result in 24 years — finishing third in Ivory Coast last year after a thrilling run that included a victory over 2022 World Cup semifinalists Morocco.
Broos’ rebuilding project has been strengthened by a new generation of players, many of whom are products of Mamelodi Sundowns’ successful system and the DStv Diski Challenge under-23 league.
Despite facing administrative challenges within Safa and being docked three points by FIFA for fielding suspended player Teboho Mokoena in a previous qualifier, Bafana managed to secure qualification. They also benefited from Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Benin, which helped seal their place at the 2026 World Cup to be held in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Broos’ journey has come full circle — returning to North America where he once represented Belgium at the 1986 World Cup. His leadership and man-management have earned him the admiration of players and fans alike, with many referring to him fondly as “Hugo Boss” or “Rick Flair.”
His successful youth-driven strategy coincides with a period of growth in South African football development. The country’s under-17 team qualified for their World Cup, and the under-20 side, Amajita, won the U-20 Afcon and reached the World Cup last 16 — a first for South Africa.
As Bafana prepare for the Afcon in Morocco later this year and the World Cup next year, Broos’ revival of the national team has restored pride and belief in South African football.
For now, coach Hugo Broos and his players can take a well-deserved bow for getting Bafana Bafana back on the world stage.
