Hugo Broos' replacement identified as Bafana Bafana coach's SAFA contract nears expiration in FIFA World Cup year - 'He is the right candidate, he is ready'

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has already announced that the bid to go to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the last tournament he will attempt to qualify for before he retires. 

His contract with the South African Football Association expires in June 2026, having taken over this job in May 2021.

That leaves SAFA with a task to start looking for the Belgian's successor before he officially steps down. 

Former Bafana defender Edward Motale has identified the man he believes is the perfect candidate to replace Broos.

"Helman [Mkhalele] is the right candidate. He is ready to step in,” said Motale as per KickOff.
“From what I see, he is already doing much of the coaching at Bafana Bafana. During matches, he is the one giving most of the instructions, and he understands the football language of the Bafana players.  
"This is not to say that Broos lacks knowledge about the players he selects. As the head coach, he is familiar with them. Remember, he attends these games, and Helman is always by his side.   
"Broos is a coach who pays close attention to every player who catches his eye. He doesn't call up a player just because he has appeared in the papers" the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winner added.
"Helman is ready. Remember, there was a time when Broos was unwell, and Helman won those games without him.  
"He has always been prepared. Helman knows the game because he played football. In my opinion, there’s no need for SAFA to search far and wide when it comes time to replacing Broos."

Broos' tenure as South Africa coach has been a fruitful one, marked by claiming bronze at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying for the 2025 AFCON edition. 

Should Bafana qualify for the World Cup, the Belgian will become the first coach to help South Africa book a ticket at this global competition since Carlos Queiroz led them to the 2002 tournament.

Already, Broos is the longest-serving Bafana coach, having been in charge of 46 games, surpassing the late legendary trainer Clive Barker's 43 matches.   

Broos is pushing to help Bafana qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which would be his swansong. 

But if they fail to make it, the 2025 AFCON will be his last tournament at the helm of South Africa.