McKenzie backs Broos to lead Bafana to World Cup
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has backed Hugo Broos to lead the Bafana Bafana to the World Cup later this year, despite calls from some quarters for his dismissal.
A 2-1 defeat against Cameroon in Rabat ended Bafana Bafana's campaign in the first knockout round at the Africa Cup of Nations, two years after they finished third at the last AFCON in Ivory Coast.
Speaking at the team’s arrival back home at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, McKenzie said the national team’s recent improvement is down to the head coach.
"We did great, but we didn't do our best. But you must understand, go back a few years, this Bafana Bafana, Hugo Broos has truly woken up Bafana Bafana," said McKenzie
McKenzie confirmed that Broos will remain in charge until the end of the World Cup, after which a new coach is expected to be appointed.
The FIFA World Cup is set to kick off in June 2026 and will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
South Africa have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
They topped their qualifying section ahead of Nigeria and will face co-hosts Mexico in the opening game on June 11 before also taking on South Korea and a European play-off winner in the group phase.
Their next matches will be friendly games in March as they step up preparations for the finals in North America.
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