Hugo Broos: Belgian Giants Club Brugge Eyeing Bafana Bafana's Head Coach

Hugo Broos: Belgian Giants Club Brugge Eyeing Bafana Bafana's Head Coach

Robert Abong'o
March 2, 2024 at 5:59 AM
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  • Hugo Broos is reportedly being courted by European side Club Brugge
  • The Belgian is famous for his successful AFCON 2023 run with Bafana
  • Broos said he remains committed to his role unless SAFA dismisses him

Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, has become a target for European clubs.

At 71 years old, Broos, steered South Africa to a commendable third-place finish at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 tournament in Abidjan.

The Belgian’s successful tenure has garnered attention, with Tunisia and Algeria previously expressing interest.

Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos. Photo: Ulrik Pedersen.
Bafana coach Hugo Broos is attracting interest from Europe. Photo: Ulrik Pedersen.
Source: Getty Images

Now, a team from his homeland is pursuing him.

As reported by HLN, Club Brugge has approached the Bafana manager, who was spotted attending their home game against Anderlecht at the Jan Breydel Stadium, conveniently close to his current residence.

Under CEO Bob Madou's revamped leadership, the club aims to revitalize its fortunes by appointing a Technical Director and Sporting Director to complement current head coach Ronny Deila.

Broos has engaged in discussions with the club several times, both formally and informally, regarding the Technical Director role, although he is not the sole candidate.

He has, however, reiterated his commitment to the South Africa job, stating that he would only leave if SAFA terminated his contract.

Broos, revered in his homeland for his achievements as a player and coach, recently expressed his affection for the country and outlined his plans.

In a roundtable discussion with South African football writers, he shared his preferences and concerns, including his dislike for the local staple, pap, and worries about cycling safety in Johannesburg's bustling traffic.

"The real South African food I like. There are some chicken plates with vegetables and those kinds of things. I don’t like pap. I’m always surprised with the players, and they have [so much] pap on their plates and I think, ‘Is he going to eat that?'" Broos said, as quoted by Times Live.

Regarding his football commitments, he intended to take a brief break in Belgium to spend time with his family before returning. He also discussed his involvement in scouting local talent and preparing for upcoming friendlies and World Cup qualifying matches.

Broos on why African teams can’t win World Cup

Sports Brief reported that Hugo Broos expressed pessimism about an African team winning the World Cup soon

.Morocco came close in the 2022 World Cup but fell short in the semi-final.

Cameroon, Senegal, and Ghana have reached the quarter-final before.

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Robert Abong'o
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