Bafana Bafana’s all-time top goal scorer, Benni McCarthy, has excused himself from possible consideration for the national team head coaching job and has identified the man he sees as best suited to succeed Hugo Broos.
The Belgian is expected to leave his role as Bafana coach after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That marks the end of his tenure at the helm of the national side since May 2021.
Despite growing speculation about the Bafana hot seat, reports suggest the SA Football Association [SAFA] could negotiate an extension for Broos. The veteran Belgian tactician’s future has become a point of intense debate, gaining traction within the local football fraternity.
In response, the local football mother body has moved to silence the noise, “slamming the brakes” on any public discussions regarding a potential successor. SAFA maintains that halting these discussions is a strategic move, allowing the technical team and the association to remain fully focused on the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao has been firm in her stance, making it clear that the association will not entertain speculation regarding the post-2026 era at this stage. However, a slightly different narrative appeared to emerge from SAFA president Danny Jordaan. The latter indicated that the association is prepared to engage in formal discussions with Broos regarding his long-term plans and potential retirement, ensuring a clear roadmap for the national team’s future.
While Broos has said he prefers his assistant Helman Mkhalele to take over from him, some names are being tossed around as possible candidates. They include the likes of McCarthy, Pitso Mosimane and Rulani Mokwena.
WHO IS THE COACH MCCARTHY WANTS TO TAKE OVER BAFANA WHEN BROOS LEAVES BAFANA?
“Coach Pitso has my vote for that. I think he deserves another opportunity. He is the most prestigious coach to have come out of this country,” said McCarthy on Marawa Sports Worldwide.
“He has done remarkably well wherever he has gone; his record speaks for itself. Just as I did as a player—opening doors for South African and African talent to reach Europe—he is doing the same in the coaching world. Teams in Europe want the kind of talent South Africa produces, and Coach Pitso has paved that way for us to be able to go there.
“He was perhaps young and fresh into his career when he first got the opportunity to manage [Bafana Bafana] after 2010. However, with the experience and knowledge he has gained since then, he would be my ideal candidate for the national team if SAFA decide to go in that direction.”
WHY MCCARTHY RULES HIMSELF OUT OF ANOTHER NATIONAL TEAM JOB AFTER KENYA
McCarthy is currently at the helm of the Kenyan national team, a position he has held since March 2025. This stint marks his first foray into international management, with a clear mandate to lead the Harambee Stars at the 2027 AFCON—a tournament Kenya will co-host alongside neighbours Tanzania and Uganda.
However, despite the prestige of the role, the former UEFA Champions League winner admits the sporadic nature of international football does not suit his current career stage.
“As I said, this experience in Kenya has been unbelievable and remarkable, but I think I’m too young to go so long without being active,” the former FC Porto and West Ham United striker explained.
“I’m an ‘everyday’ guy; I want to be on the pitch, smelling the grass, and actively improving players. The international game holds me back from doing that because you simply don’t get enough time with the squad.
“For instance, I haven’t seen my players in three months. When I finally do see them, I only have one week to implement my ideas. I think when I reach Hugo Broos’ age, that is when I’ll want to return to the national team environment. But after this experience with Kenya, my immediate goal is to get back into club management.”
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