Benni McCarthy is emerging as the frontrunner to take over as head coach of South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, following Hugo Broos’ planned retirement after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The South African football legend has earned recognition for his transformative impact on Harambee Stars, Kenya’s national team, and is widely viewed as a capable successor to maintain South Africa’s upward trajectory in African football.
Hugo Broos, who assumed the Bafana Bafana role in 2021, has revitalized the team through discipline, tactical structure, and a focus on nurturing both young talent and experienced players. Under his leadership, South Africa achieved a third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations—their best performance in over two decades—and secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Broos has confirmed that next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will mark his final appearance before retirement, paving the way for the search for a new head coach.
Among potential candidates, McCarthy’s name stands out due to his combination of playing experience and growing coaching credentials. South Africa’s all-time leading goal scorer has demonstrated tactical acumen and motivational skills in his coaching career. At AmaZulu FC, he led the club to its first-ever CAF Champions League qualification, earning praise for his ability to inspire results.
Since taking charge of Harambee Stars, McCarthy has been credited with revitalizing Kenyan football, boosting morale, and improving performances on the international stage. His success in transforming the Kenyan national team has drawn comparisons to Broos’ achievements with Bafana Bafana, reinforcing confidence in his ability to lead South Africa into a new era.
The South African Football Association now faces the critical task of appointing a coach who can build on Broos’ legacy while continuing the team’s development. McCarthy’s proven ability to blend tactical knowledge with player motivation positions him as a natural choice for the role, offering the promise of continued progress and success for Bafana Bafana beyond the 2026 World Cup.
As speculation grows, fans and pundits alike are watching closely, anticipating a seamless transition that will ensure South Africa remains a dominant force in African football under McCarthy’s leadership.
