As Hugo Broos prepares to bring his tenure as Bafana Bafana coach to an end after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, speculation continues to grow around who will succeed him. Among the names being discussed are Benni McCarthy and Steve Komphela, but South African legend Mark Fish believes the perfect candidate is already within the national setup — assistant coach Helman Mkhalele.
Fish has called on the South African Football Association (SAFA) to look internally for Broos’ replacement, insisting that Mkhalele possesses the experience, understanding, and connection with the current squad needed to continue the team’s progress. He pointed out that the former Bafana winger has been an instrumental part of Broos’ technical team, helping to restore belief and consistency in South African football.
Under Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana have experienced a remarkable transformation. Since 2021, the Belgian tactician has rebuilt the side into a competitive force in Africa, leading them to a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and guiding them through an impressive unbeaten run heading into the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With Broos confirming that he will step down after the World Cup, maintaining this positive trajectory has become a top priority for SAFA.
Fish emphasized the importance of continuity, arguing that Mkhalele’s familiarity with both the senior and junior national teams gives him a unique advantage. South Africa’s youth sides have recently achieved notable success, qualifying for international tournaments, and Fish believes Mkhalele can bridge the gap between these rising talents and the senior team.
He also praised Mkhalele’s strong rapport with players, describing him as a trusted figure who understands their needs and has been vital in linking communication between the squad and Broos. The Belgian coach himself has publicly praised his assistant, once noting that Mkhalele “thinks like him 95% of the time.”
However, a major hurdle stands in Mkhalele’s way. He currently holds a CAF B License, which is below the CAF A or Pro License required to manage a senior national team. To become eligible, he will need to upgrade his coaching qualifications — a process that could determine whether he truly becomes Broos’ successor.
If Mkhalele secures the necessary credentials, he could be the man to guide Bafana Bafana into a new era while preserving the stability and success achieved under Hugo Broos.
