Walter Steenbok confident SAFA can find worthy Hugo Broos successor

Broos confirmed last year that he intends to step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which coincides with the expiry of his five-year contract with the national team. 

Steenbok, who worked closely with the Belgian mentor during his tenure at SAFA, insists the national team has developed enough depth in coaching talent to ensure continuity once Broos departs.

"We have trained enough of these high-quality coaches, but they have also done the job for themselves. People like Fadlu Davids, now working at Raja – he was at Simba and Pirates – you know, he's got his UEFA Pro license. A quality young coach who understands the game," says Steenbok

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"You have Rulani Mokoena  – I cant overemphasise our appreciation for his talents and what he has done. I thought Sundowns during his time was unplayable. He couldn't win the Champions League, but besides that he's an unbelievable coach.I think he even took the level from where coach Pitso left it and took it to another level."

"Manqoba  Mngqithi  –  you can see now with Golden Arrows, with not much budget and all of that  – but if you look at the speed of Arrows, their playing philosphy and the intensity of their matches, you can then really see that he is a top-quality coach.

And then you have someone like coach Pitso, who I have also worked with for quite some time. He is much more senior now, but he has an impeccable regord – unmatched."

Despite concerns that current assistant coach Helman Mkhalele lacks the qualification, Steenbok counted him in the pool.

Another strong option is Bafana’s all-time top goal scorer Benni McCarthy, who was the hot favourite before Broos’ appointment in 2021. 

Asked whether a European coach should also be considered, Steenbok explained why this would be a hit or miss.

"It's a difficult question and I'll tell you why I say it's a difficult question.Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you get it completely wrong. You know, SAFA at one time had Joel Santana.

"When you're at that position, you've got to make decisions. We have to give him credit on this one, by sticking to Hugo and I think, again, whoever is going to have to make that decision, come June, you know, we'll have to look at all of these factors."