Coach Hugo Broos tips Helman Mkhalele to be the future face of Bafana Bafana after WC 2026

As South African football gears up for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, the country's national team, Bafana Bafana, finds itself at a pivotal moment.

The head coach, Hugo Broos, a seasoned figure in the sport, is set to become the oldest coach in the tournament's history.

With his 74th birthday approaching next April, discussions over his succession have become increasingly urgent, particularly in light of the national team's recent successes, including a third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations and qualification for the World Cup.

Speaking candidly at a media roundtable in Johannesburg on Thursday, Broos expressed his faith in assistant coach Helman Mkhalele as a potential successor, outlining the complementary relationship they have cultivated since 2021.

"If Helman takes over from me, he can carry on our work and uphold the philosophy of this team with a touch more of an African influence," Broos stated, emphasising the seamless partnership between them. "95% of the things that Helman thinks about or suggests are the same ideas that I believe in."

Yet amid these discussions, Broos identified a significant hurdle to Mkhalele's potential promotion: his current lack of the requisite UEFA or CAF Pro License to take the reins as head coach of Bafana Bafana.

"The only problem with Helman is that he doesn't have the qualifications. He can avoid that if he follows the necessary courses," Broos explained, urging the South African Football Association (SAFA) to consider their options for the future carefully. "You have to think about what kind of coach you want," he added.

Broos, confident about his exit plans, reassured supporters that his commitment to the national team remains steadfast until Bafana Bafana's World Cup campaign is over.

"Everyone knows I will stop after the World Cup because of my age," he remarked, acknowledging the sacrifices made by his family over the years to support his coaching career. "It's time to go home to my family. They have made sacrifices over the last 30 years because they wanted me to focus on my career."

As Bafana Bafana prepares for the 2026 World Cup, these conversations about leadership are crucial.

Mkhalele will likely obtain the necessary qualifications to step seamlessly into the role.  It will enable him to continue the momentum that Broos has generated during his tenure.

 Broos has laid a solid foundation, and many within the South African football fraternity are hopeful that Mkhalele's ascent will ensure continuity and a bright future for the national squad.