By Michael Madyira
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is closing in on becoming the longest-serving South Africa national team coach.
Appointed in May 2021, Broos is now three years and five months into his job, making him the second longest-serving trainer.
He is nearing the late Clive Barker’s record of three years and nine months, a spell that spanned from March 1994 to December 1997.
Barker’s stint was colourful and included winning the 1996 Africa Africa Cup of Nations as well as securing Bafana’s maiden qualification for the Fifa World Cup.
It was a successful tenure that by far outweighs Broos’ 2023 Afcon bronze medal which is his biggest achievement while in charge of South Africa.
However, the Belgian can take pride in witnessing Bafana record their heaviest victory under his tutelage as they hammered Congo-Brazzaville 5-0 on Friday.
It was a 2025 Afcon qualifier in Gqeberha; and Broos and his men are now on course to book a ticket for Africa’s flagship tournament to be hosted by Morocco.
“You know we’ve been working together for many months, years, everyone is happy with everybody,” said Broos on SABC Sport after the match.
“I have a fantastic group, the mentality is fantastic and quality is there also. Tuesday is again a match, so tomorrow we forget the 5-0.”
Bafana will now visit Congo for Tuesday’s return fixture and they could seal qualification then.
“We will try to achieve six [points] from six and come back from Congo with qualification.” the Belgian said.
“It will be a different game certainly on a different pitch also, so we’ll see but if do the same performance like today, we can win, we can achieve that.”
While Afcon qualification looks possible, Broos’ biggest challenge is helping Bafana secure a 2026 Fifa World Cup berth.
After failing to guide his side to the 2022 World Cup, the next global quadrennial tournament will play a big part in assessing his time with South Africa.
He is bidding to become the third coach to help Bafana qualify for the World Cup after Barker and Carlos Queiroz.
Pictured above: Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos
Source: Bafana Bafana
