‘I hope He Stays’ - South Africa Defender Chooses Hugo Broos for Bafana Job Amid Pitso Mosimane Reports

Amid reports that South Africa coach Hugo Broos is set to retire following their World Cup elimination, one of his players wants him to extend his stay.

Broos had announced last year that he will step away from the dugout after leading South Africa to the 2026 World Cup, ending a career that has spanned 40 years, although he has recently hinted at a change of heart.

Following his team’s 1-0 loss to Canada in the Round of 32 on Sunday, Broos was asked about his future and this time, he was more guarded, choosing not to divulge more.

However, defender Aubrey Modiba was more forthright in his response when asked what he thinks about the 74-year-old Belgian coach.

"I hope he stays. I hope he stays. He's still got a little unfinished business with the AFCON, so I hope he stays," Modiba told the media. "[He's had a] very positive impact, and I think he's changed South African football, if we're being honest."

Broos has been South Africa coach since May 2021, longest tactician for Bafana Bafana, and transformed their fortunes.

He led them to back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations in 2023 and 2025, finishing third in the latter in Ivory Coast before a Round of 16 exit in Morocco last year.

He also guided South Africa to World Cup qualification for the first time since 2002 and led them past the group stage, their maiden appearance in the knockout round at the tournament.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has already started the process of finding Broos’ successor and revealed at the weekend that veteran Pitso Mosimane is among the top names who have submitted their applications for the job.