The seasoned 71-year-old strategist had dropped this bombshell after the third/fourth place play-off against DR Congo.
Broos revealed his decision in a candid conversation with SAFA President Dr. Danny Jordaan, citing multiple reasons for his abrupt exit. The experienced coach pointed to constant criticism that marred his tenure, the emotional toll of being away from his family, particularly his grandchildren, and a perceived lack of support from the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
In an exclusive interview with Nieuwsblad’s Frank and Franky Podcast, Broos expressed, “I had a conversation with the chairman. On Saturday, we played the third-place match, and the Sunday we were in the hotel, and I made an appointment with the chairman and I told him I want to stop [the national team].”
He went on to elaborate on the challenges he faced, stating, “I said first and foremost what I made through in the last two and a half years of criticism and I don’t want to experience that any more. I know everything is good now – but in March, we have World Cup qualifiers and if we don’t do well, it will start again and it will be worse.”
Broos also shed light on the personal sacrifices he had to make, saying, “Also, I am alone, my family is in Belgium, and I am not going to do that any more where I am away for two and a half months – it is a lot, especially when you have grandchildren, and then it gets even worse.”
One of the major bones of contention was the alleged lack of cooperation from the PSL. Broos revealed the struggles he faced in coordinating schedules with the league, saying, “And the opposing of the league to the national team. In May last year, we were preparing for AFCON, and there were a few friendly matches and we had two World Cup qualifiers in November, and everyone agreed that the PSL has to stop around Christmas.”
Despite Broos still holding the position of South Africa head coach, uncertainties loom large over the resolution of his reported issues with the PSL. Whether these long-standing concerns can be addressed remains to be seen, as the football community awaits the fate of the Belgian tactician in the Bafana Bafana hot seat.