Hugo Broos will celebrate his 50th match as South Africa’s head coach during their AFCON opening match against Angola, marking a record-breaking tenure defined by a bronze medal and a significant climb in global rankings.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is set to reach a historic milestone this Monday as he leads South Africa into their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener against Angola.
The Group B clash at the Grand Stade de Marrakech marks Broos’ 50th match in charge, cementing his status as the longest-serving head coach in the team’s history.
Under his leadership, the national side has risen from 75th to 61st in the FIFA rankings.
Reflecting on the team’s evolution since his 2021 appointment, the 73-year-old Belgian expressed immense pride in the squad’s progress following their bronze medal at the previous edition.
Broos remains focused on the immediate challenge, stating: “The first game of the tournament is always very important. We need to take it one game at a time and get positive results that will help us progress in the tournament.”
He added that his current rebuilding project feels even more significant than his past success.
South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr. Danny Jordaan praised the mentor’s impact on the nation’s footballing landscape as he surpasses records held by the late Clive Barker.
With a record of 24 wins and only six defeats, Broos has revitalized the squad ahead of their 2026 World Cup appearance.
Stressing the magnitude of the continental stage, Broos noted: “For every player and every coach, it is something you dream of, to play big tournaments like AFCON.”