Broos, Bafana’s longest-serving coach, reaches a career milestone ahead of AFCON opener

In a moment that resonates deeply in the annals of South African football history, coach Hugo Broos will lead Bafana Bafana for the 50th time this December at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco.

The national team’s journey under the Belgian mentor has enjoyed significant progress, ambition, and a renewed hope amongst the nation’s passionate supporters. The highly anticipated match against Angola, scheduled for Monday, 22 December 2025, will kick off at 19h00 (South African time).

Broos’ tenure began on a promise of better days for Bafana Bafana when the South African Football Association (SAFA) appointed him on 5 May 2021.

His first match at the helm, a thrilling 3-2 victory over Uganda at Orlando Stadium on 10 June 2021, not only set a winning tone but also ignited optimism in a fan base eager for success.

Over the past four years, Broos’s influence has propelled the team from a FIFA ranking of 75th to their current position of 61st, with the top 50 ranking now tantalisingly within reach.

Under his leadership, Bafana Bafana achieved commendable success, including garnering a Bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON held in January 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire, underscoring the transformed competitive spirit of a once-struggling team.

“Congratulations to coach Hugo for reaching this milestone,” expressed SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, a testament to the impact Broos has had on both the players and the sport in the nation.

Meanwhile, his historic achievement includes equalling the record set by the late Clive Barker, who guided the team to its first AFCON title in 1996. Broos has now managed 49 matches with an impressive record of 24 wins, 19 draws, and only six defeats.

Recent months have only strengthened Bafana Bafana’s position, as they qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, much to the nation’s delight.

This monumental tournament will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and hopes are high that Broos will lead the team to new heights on the global stage.

As Bafana Bafana prepares for a contest in Morocco, where they will strive to demonstrate their growth and potential, Broos has indicated a plan to step down after the World Cup.

However, his focus remains steadfast on the immediate challenge ahead at AFCON, where he aspires to guide the team toward further glory.

The coaching journey of Hugo Broos with Bafana Bafana is a compelling narrative of resilience, ambition and transformation—one that has injected a renewed sense of purpose into the heartbeat of South African football.

As the date of his 50th match approaches, the nation holds its breath, anticipating that Broos will lead Bafana Bafana to an unforgettable performance in Morocco and beyond.