Four decades after competing in his only FIFA World Cup as a player, Hugo Broos has one final wish: to return to the event as a coach, at the very same place where it all began.
Broos represented his native Belgium at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where they finished fourth after losing 4-2 to European rivals France in the third-place play-off, following extra time.
Since then, Broos has carved out a respected coaching career across the globe, including in Africa. He etched his name into continental football history by winning the 2017 AFCON title with Cameroon and guiding Bafana Bafana to their first podium finish in over two decades — third place at the most recent continental finals.
Broos has already endeared himself to the Bafana faithful, restoring belief in the so-called “sleeping giants” after qualifying for the AFCON finals in Morocco without a single loss in the qualifiers.
But despite the euphoria and optimism surrounding the team, Broos has one wish before he calls time on his career: to coach at the World Cup — on the same continent, North America, and possibly the same country, Mexico — where it all started for him.
“Next year, it will be 40 years since I played in the World Cup in Mexico,” Broos recalled. “It would be fantastic to do it as a coach, 40 years later.
“I said it before — this is my last job as a coach. I am 73 years old, and I’m not going to go until I’m 80, so it would be the perfect moment to stop. I am really motivated, together with my team, to achieve that.
“To have a career like this, which includes playing at the World Cup — I don’t think many have had the chance to do that. So it would be the right time to stop.”
Broos’ wish could soon become a reality, as his Bafana troops currently lead Group C in the qualifiers.
They are not home and dry yet, though, as there is still the pending case involving midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who should not have played against Lesotho in the first leg at Peter Mokaba Stadium in March due to suspension. If found guilty of contravening FIFA rules, South Africa could be docked three points and handed a 3-0 defeat.
Still, Broos is not losing sleep over it. He knows that if they win all their remaining games, they should finish top of the group and automatically qualify for the World Cup.
Broos knows his side cannot afford to leave any stone unturned — especially with the uncertainty surrounding the Mokoena matter.
“What makes me happy is that I see a very motivated group, and all the boys know it would be a highlight for them to go to North America — the US, Canada, and Mexico,” said Broos.
“I know they’ll fight for it from the first second and every square metre. I think we are ready.
“But it is still a football game, and you can never know what will happen. But I am confident we’ll win.”
