Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has already set his sights on who he believes should succeed him once his tenure comes to an end after the 2026 FIFA World Cup – and his choice is clear: Helman “Midnight Express” Mkhalele.
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Mkhalele has served as Broos’s assistant since the Belgian tactician took over in 2021. Over the past three years, the pair have built a strong partnership that has helped revive national pride in Bafana Bafana. Under their guidance, the national team finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast and qualified for both the upcoming AFCON in Morocco and the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Broos believes continuity will be key to maintaining this momentum. Speaking to the media in Johannesburg, he said:
“I think the best thing would be if Helman becomes coach after me. Then you’re following up with the same thing. The way of working and the philosophy will stay the same. There will be a bit more of an African touch – I am European – but Helman thinks 95% the same as me, which is why I’m so happy with him.”
The Qualification Challenge
However, one obstacle stands in the way of Broos’s preferred successor. Mkhalele currently lacks the CAF or UEFA Pro License required to officially take charge of the national team. Broos was quick to acknowledge this challenge, urging SAFA to plan accordingly: “The only problem is that Helman doesn’t have the qualification. But that can be avoided if he goes on a course for the pro license. SAFA has to think about what kind of coach they want. That’s not my job, but it’s important.”
If Mkhalele completes the necessary coaching qualifications in time, he could be in pole position to step into the role and ensure stability within the Bafana setup.
Why Mkhalele Makes Sense
The former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana winger brings a unique advantage – he understands the culture, mentality, and challenges of South African footballers. Having been part of the generation that represented the country during its golden years in the late 1990s, Mkhalele’s experience both as a player and as a coach provides him with valuable insight into what it takes to succeed on the international stage.
Moreover, he has earned the trust of the current squad. His familiarity with the team’s system, discipline, and tactical approach under Broos would allow for a smooth transition without disrupting the progress made over the last few years.
Broos Ready to Call Time on Coaching
Broos has made it clear that his retirement after the 2026 World Cup is final. “Everyone knows I will stop after the World Cup because of my age,” he admitted. “It’s not because I don’t want to be here anymore. If I was ten years younger, I’d stay for another two years. But I’ll be 74, and it’s time to go home to my family. They’ve made sacrifices for me to focus on my career, and now it’s time to focus on them.”
A Future Built on Continuity
As Bafana Bafana prepares for another busy period of international fixtures, the question of succession is becoming increasingly important. For Broos, the answer lies in continuity rather than change. With Mkhalele already deeply involved in the national team’s setup, his appointment could provide the stability and local flair that the side needs to continue its upward trajectory.
If SAFA acts early to help Mkhalele secure his coaching credentials, Broos’s vision of a seamless handover might just ensure Bafana Bafana remains competitive long after the Belgian’s departure.
Related article: Bafana Coach Hugo Broos Announces Retirement After National Team Tenure
