Soccer
‘But if I’m asked, of course I would’ – Benni McCarthy ready to succeed Broos at Bafana
Benni McCarthy says he would not hesitate to consider coaching Bafana Bafana if approached to succeed Hugo Broos after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Broos recently confirmed that he plans to step down after the world cup in North America, sparking growing speculation over who could take over the national team.
Since arriving in 2021, the Belgian coach has helped revive South African football, leading Bafana to a third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and bringing renewed stability to the squad.
As discussions around the next coach continue, several high-profile names have been linked with the role, including Pitso Mosimane, Rulani Mokwena and McCarthy.
Speaking to Kick-Off, McCarthy admitted that leading his country would be a difficult opportunity to ignore.
“I think a lot of people will be interested in the job to coach Bafana. But if I’m asked, of course I would. It’s my country. It’s the national team,” he said.
The former Orlando Pirates and Blackburn Rovers striker believes South Africa’s current squad has the talent to compete for major honours in the years ahead.
“It’s a very good time to achieve things with this group of players, with the calibre and quality that they have,” he added.
McCarthy’s growing reputation in coaching has strengthened talk that he could eventually replace Broos. After working as a first-team coach at Manchester United, the 47-year-old moved into international football with Kenya.
Despite his openness to the Bafana role, McCarthy suggested the timing may not be immediate as he still misses the demands of club football.
“If the chance comes, I don’t see why I wouldn’t want to coach my national team. But maybe not the next job after the World Cup because I miss club football,” he explained.
He admitted that international management can be challenging because of the long breaks between matches and training camps, saying he misses the day-to-day involvement with players that comes with club football.
For now, McCarthy remains focused on Kenya as they prepare for the 2027 Afcon, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Still, with Safa expected to make a decision on Broos’ successor in the near future, McCarthy’s comments have ensured his name remains firmly in the conversation around the future of Bafana Bafana.
