Hugo Broos Urged to Stay On Until 2026 by Red Carded Bafana Bafana Defender

• Hugo Broos is contracted to Bafana Bafana until the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America
• Bafana Bafana were knocked out of AFCON 2023 in the semi-finals by the Super Eagles
• Grant Kekana was sent off in the 25th minute of extra time for preventing a scoring chance

Bafana Bafana have shown a unity not seen in several years.

Under Hugo Broos, the team has developed an identity that has come to the fore in Ivory Coast, aiding their advancement to the semi-finals of AFCON 2023.

One of South Africa's stand-out defenders has urged the 71-year-old Belgian not to quit just yet, but to help them achieve a greater goal.

Grant Kekana did not play in South Africa's only regulation-time defeat at AFCON 2023 and was not on the field when their semi-final against Nigeria went to penalties.

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The Mamelodi Sundowns defender received a straight red for a last-gasp lunge on the edge of the box to deny a threatening Terem Moffi.

He would sit on the bench and watch Stanley Nwabali save two penalties as the Super Eagles progressed to the final.

In the aftermath, Kekana suggested that stability within the setup is what is needed to help Bafana earn a place at international football's grandest event for the first time since 2002. Urging Broos to stay, he said:

"He gave some of us the opportunity to represent our country and I think he has one last task which is to try to get us into the World Cup."

South Africa may still have to play DR Congo in Saturday's third-place playoff, but thoughts could already be on their next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, fittingly, against the Super Eagles.

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5 reasons Hugo Broos must stay

Sports Brief recently compiled a list of reasons why Broos must remain in charge of Bafana Bafana.

The 71-year-old has two years left on his contract with only age providing a legitimate reason for him to leave.

The Belgian has helped restore pride in the national team and SAFA would do well to make him feel appreciated.