Agents and Club Owners Could Influence Squad Again, Says Hugo Broos

The departure of Belgian tactician Hugo Broos from the helm of Bafana Bafana has paved the way for the imminent return of Pitso Mosimane. Yet, Broos has issued a cautionary warning about challenges that could resurface. In a candid interview with Het Nieuwsblad, he reflected on his tenure, the pressures he endured, and his belief that South African football risks sliding back into old habits.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed Mosimane’s appointment following Broos’s exit. The National Executive Committee (NEC) approved the decision during an Extraordinary Meeting at SAFA House on August 8, 2026, with final contractual details still under negotiation.

Broos did not mince his words: “South Africa still don’t have a coach. The candidate is Pitso Mosimane, a successful South African coach. But they know that if he comes in, they’ll go five years back in time.” His remarks underscored the tension between optimism for Mosimane’s return and the systemic issues that have long plagued the national team.

He was particularly critical of external interference in squad selection: “Club owners and agents calling coaches to influence the squad selection. I threw all of them out. If one called, I would say bluntly: ‘I don’t talk with agents.’” This uncompromising stance defined his leadership style and earned him respect among supporters who valued his independence.

Despite his resolve, Broos admitted he underestimated the scale of the problem. “I underestimated it. The closer the end came, the more people asked me not to stop. There are people who have now lost their jobs because I’m no longer continuing. My driver, for example, people drive like cowboys in South Africa,” he explained, illustrating the ripple effects of his departure.

His assistant coach, Helman Mkhalele, was also deeply affected. “He didn’t want to stay without me. My wife knows Helman and felt sorry for him too. ‘If you can stay for another year in a different role, with Helman as coach, then do it,’” Broos recalled, highlighting the personal bonds forged during his tenure.

SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan attempted to persuade him to remain. “The federation president even said: ‘We understand that you miss your family. Just write down when you want to come.’ So only a week before the match did I consider returning to South Africa,” Broos revealed, showing the emotional weight of his decision.

Ultimately, he could not bring himself to propose a compromise. “That would have meant I could stay in Belgium from November until mid-March. But I couldn’t bring myself to suggest that. I was embarrassed to propose it. During that week, when I was there to wrap everything up, I changed my mind at least 10 times,” he admitted.

The final decision was painful. “Until I told myself: ‘It’s terrible for those people, but it has to end at some point.’ It was a long silence when I told the president my decision,” Broos said, describing the gravity of the moment.

He confessed to emotional struggles in his last weeks: “I had to swallow hard a few times during those final weeks, yes. I’ve never experienced that kind of gratitude before,” he reflected, acknowledging the appreciation he received from fans and colleagues.

That gratitude was amplified by Bafana’s achievements under his guidance: “Especially after we finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations, and now also reaching the knockout stage for the first time,” he said, pointing to milestones that restored pride in South African football.

Broos also shared anecdotes about the public’s affection: “From my apartment to the shopping centre was 300 metres. Every time there would be 10 to 15 people asking for selfies, cars would stop and people would roll down their windows,” he recalled, painting a vivid picture of his popularity. At times, the admiration reached extraordinary levels: “Once, a car blocked the entire street like that: two policemen wanted a photo.”

As Mosimane prepares to take charge, Broos’s reflections serve as both a warning and a reminder. His insistence on independence and professionalism contrasts with the pressures he fears may return. His words underline the importance of safeguarding the integrity of squad selection.

For supporters, Broos’s legacy is one of resilience and achievement. His departure may mark the end of an era, but his cautionary remarks about agents and club owners remain relevant as South Africa looks to the future under Mosimane.

The revival of Bafana Bafana now rests on balancing Mosimane’s tactical brilliance with the lessons Broos leaves behind. His farewell message is clear: progress can only be sustained if the game is protected from the influences that once held it back.