Hugo Broos: 5 Reasons Why Bafana Bafana’s Belgian Boss Must Stay Until 2026

• Hugo Broos signed a five-year deal in 2021 which expires after the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• The Belgian has hinted at not seeing out his contract but recently dismissed retirement
• Bafana Bafana play Nigeria in their first Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in 23 years

When something valuable is within one's grasp, it is best to hold on tight.

Regardless of what happens in Ivory Coast from this point onwards, South Africa's footballing brains must do all they can to keep Hugo Broos.

With the Belgian appearing to have found the right mix, he should be trusted with taking Bafana Bafana to an even greater target in two years.

SAFA would have pulled the trigger if this AFCON campaign was a dud, but a first semi-final in 23 years is a reason to let off some fireworks.

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His 71 years of age could sway his decision, but Sports Brief motivates a list of reasons why Hugo Broos should see out his contract with Bafana Bafana.

5 reasons Hugo Broos must stay

1. His African knack

Having won the 2017 AFCON with Cameroon and taking serial underachievers, Bafana Bafana, to the brink of something special, Broos has shown an aptitude for the African game.

This knowledge and confidence will be invaluable for South Africa in the next two years as they look to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an assignment they have not completed in over 20 years.

2. Players are behind him

The Belgian is a reserved character, but the scenes after Ronwen Williams' fourth penalty save showed his genuine connection to the players.

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This appears to be reciprocated by the squad. Having a team that wants to play for their coach is a fundamental ingredient for success and SAFA would be foolish to squander this momentum.

3. A missing World Cup piece

Broos played for Belgium at the 1986 FIFA World Cup but has never taken a team to the tournament of tournaments as a coach.

In his only other international job with Cameroon, he served in the years between the 2014 and 2018 editions. He now has a synergistic opportunity to go back to North America where the 1986 event was held.

4. His thick skin

Being the boss of Bafana Bafana requires a unique set of characteristics. Dealing with the internal politics of SAFA, the ego of the PSL and a fickle supporter base is not for the weak.

Broos has shown a frankness that borders on contempt, but he is always honest. South Africans are attuned to deception and the Belgian's direct approach does not leave room for interpretation.

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5. There is nobody else

Pitso Mosimane has gone back to Saudi Arabia, Rulani Mokwena is busy with Mamelodi Sundowns and Eric Tinkler and Gavin Hunt are unlikely to be given a chance anytime soon, even if they were to leave their clubs.

Disrupting the setup for an unknown could dismantle all that has been achieved, ruining the chances players like Themba Zwane, Percy Tau and Ronwen Williams have of ever gracing the world's greatest stage.

Hugo Broos dismisses retirement talk

Sports Brief recently reported on Hugo Broos denying speculation that he was considering retirement.

His career spans over five decades and he hinted before the tournament that this could be his last job.

Broos is the only manager among the remaining four with an Africa Cup of Nations title to his name.