Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral believes discussions about Hugo Broos’ possible successor as Bafana Bafana coach before the 2025 AFCON finals would be premature.
The 73-year-old is set to step down from his role after the 2026 FIFA World Cup and retire from coaching. It will mark the end of his reign at the helm of the national side. He has been in charge since May 2021 and that makes him the longest-serving Bafana coach ever.
Many regard the stint as a success, highlighted by a 2023 AFCON bronze and World Cup qualification. That sets the bar high for the man who will take over from Broos.
A 2017 African champion with Cameroon, Broos leaves SAFA with a huge task to search for a coach of his calibre as replacement. Already, there has been debate about the names likely to step in when the Belgian leaves.
Some feel the time is now to identify the next South Africa coach, to afford him time to prepare for the big job. But others might see that as premature.
WHY ERTUGRAL SAYS IT’S TOO EARLY TO TALK ABOUT BROOS’ BAFANA SUCCESSOR
“I personally think the talk about any successor for Bafana before the Africa Cup of Nations is simply not the right time and decision. At present, full focus must be on AFCON preparations and the World Cup,” Ertugral told FARPost.
“I really think anything else becomes unnecessary and a complete distraction for the team and the technical staff.
“I also find it premature for anyone to stand in public and declare interest in the job while there is still a coach at the helm.
“So, I think there has to be a respect for the process and for the person at the moment leading the national team.”
SHOULD SAFA LOOK ELSEWHERE OR APPOINT BAFANA COACH FROM WITHIN?
Broos has already anointed his current assistant coach, Helman Mkhalele, as the right candidate to take over. Ertgural also suggests that the next man should come from within the current setup for continuity.
“If you look at the great football nations Germany, Spain, France they protect the continuity,” said the former Orlando Pirates coach.
“I have often seen the assistant coach, who has been deeply involved in the work in recent years and most importantly, understands the internal process. He becomes for me a natural option to continue the cycle, isn’t it?
“For South Africa, continuity could also be a very strong and very sensible choice. I am sure the committee will do the selection quietly. Those decisions should not be made in the public eye. They are made with planning, timing, and respect.
“Right now the priority; support the current team, stay focused on AFCON and the World Cup path, and avoid outside disturbances. Everything else will fall into place after the World Cup cycle.”
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