Following South Africa’s failure to qualify for 2022’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Ntseki was relieved of his duties. Now it is up to Broos, the former Cameroon national coach, to try and pick up the pieces. 

The Belgian faces the unenviable task of trying to lead South Africa to their first Fifa World Cup qualification since 2002. They missed out in 2006, 2014 and 2018. In 2010 they made the cut by virtue of being the hosts.

“We needed someone who is ready, who knows the arena. Because we had to look at the short time of going to the qualifiers, and we needed someone who is ready and knows experience [of running a national team],” said South African Football Association CEO Tebogo Motlanthe.

Bafana were set to kick off the World Cup qualifiers on 5 June against neighbours Zimbabwe. But reports indicate that the Confederation of African Football is looking to shift the qualifiers to September due to logistical concerns brought on by Covid-19.

South Africa’s group also includes Ghana, who edged South Africa, alongside Sudan, for a spot in Cameroon in 2022. Ethiopia are the last opponents.   

“I will be there [South Africa] next week to have a few meetings and see what we have to do in the next few months,” Broos told the media via Zoom.

“We will do everything, everything, to be qualified for the World Cup next year.”

Broos is set to arrive in South Africa next week, where he will outline his plans more clearly and announce his technical team, which will include one yet-to-be-confirmed South African. DM