Hugo Broos has said he has agreed to continue as coach of South Africa despite several other offers and the target now is for Bafana Bafana to qualify for the 2026 World Cup ahead of the Super Eagles.
The experienced Belgian coach impressed at the AFCON, where South Africa finished third, and this has attracted interest from Tunisia and Algeria.
“I never said I would quit,” he told La Deniere Heure.
“But after the small final (third-placed match vs DR Congo) I had a meeting with the president of the federation, who asked me to stay to continue the project.
“Even though there was criticism, he always supported me and protected. And he really said that I should not abandon them now because there are still challenges ahead, especially with the World Cup qualifiers.
“If a president asks you that and you still have a contract, it is hard to refuse.”
Broos admitted he has been approached by some countries after the AFCON.
“There are a lot of rumors at the moment. But it is true that there have been contacts with certain countries. When I won the AFCON with Cameroon in 2017, I also received offers from other countries, he said.
“If I wanted to leave here to find another team, I know I would have an offer very quickly. But I am happy here. My last job as coach will be this.”
The World Cup in 2026 is a big dream for Broos.
“Yes, and not just for me. Also for the country. Because, apart from the 2010 World Cup that was held here, South Africa have not qualified since 2002.”
Bafana Bafana are second in their qualifying group with three points from two matches.
Rwanda are surprise leaders on four points, while Nigeria are third on two points.
Nigeria will welcome South Africa to Uyo in June in a crucial game in the qualifiers.
