Bafana coach Hugo Broos dismisses retirement talk ahead of AFCON semi-final

As Bafana Bafana gears up for the highly anticipated AFCON semi-final clash against Nigeria, coach Hugo Broos has dispelled retirement discussions.

The 71-year-old, currently the oldest coach at the Afcon tournament, led Bafana to their first semi-final appearance in 24 years.

Hugo Broos wants to go all the way with Bafana

Despite hinting at a potential retirement announcement in a Belgian media interview before the competition, Broos, during a press conference, downplayed the idea.

Hugo Broos speaks

He emphasised that as long as the South African national team continues to perform well, retirement is not on his immediate agenda.

“Not at all; why should I think of that [retirement]? We’re still not at the end. Okay, I’m 71, so I think there’s moments to think about stopping my career,”

Broos stated. “As long as things are going the way they are now, why should I stop? I like my job, and I like football, so we will see what the future will bring.”

Having enjoyed a coaching career spanning 36 years and an 18-year stint as a professional football player, Broos acknowledged that thoughts of retirement are normal.

Coach Hugo Broos hinted to a Belgian publication that he would consider calling it quits after the AFCON.

However, he brought up that, for now, it is merely contemplation and nothing more.

Addressing the team’s roster, Broos confirmed that Thapelo Maseko, a talented winger, would miss the remaining matches due to a grade three muscle injury sustained against Cape Verde.

Despite his absence, Maseko will stay with the team, with no plans for a replacement to avoid complications with visas and flights. Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles are set to clash in the AFCON semi-final at the Stade Bouaké in Ivory Coast.

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