South Africa head coach Hugo Broos believes his assistant Helman Mkhalele is the right man to lead Bafana Bafana once he retires after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Broos, who has been in charge since May 2021, says Mkhalele’s appointment would ensure continuity for the national team, especially after their recent resurgence under his leadership.
“I think the best thing to do should be that Helman becomes the coach after me because then you have [continuity],” Broos said during a roundtable discussion with local media at SAFA House.
“When Helman takes the team, the way of working and philosophy will stay the same with a little bit more [of an] African thing because I am a European.”
The Belgian tactician, however, noted that Mkhalele’s lack of top-level coaching qualifications could pose a challenge.
He encouraged his long-time assistant to pursue a UEFA Pro License, which is a requirement for national team head coaches.
“The only problem with Helman is that he doesn’t have qualifications,” Broos added.
“You can avoid that when Helman can follow the processes for the UEFA Pro License, because you need that as a coach of a national team.”
Under the duo’s guidance, Bafana Bafana have enjoyed a revival, including securing their first World Cup appearance since 2010.
Mkhalele, a former South African international who played at the 1998 World Cup in France, will now return to the global stage as Broos’ assistant in North America.
Broos’ five-year contract runs until the end of the 2026 tournament, after which he plans to retire from management.
