Bafana Bafana Legend Overlooks Benni McCarthy, Reveals the Man He Wants to Replace Hugo Broos

With Hugo Broos set to retire after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Bafana Bafana legend Mark Fish has endorsed current assistant coach Helman Mkhalele as the ideal candidate to take the helm, citing him as ‘someone that can be trusted.’

Significant changes are on the horizon for the South African national team as Broos's successful tenure approaches its end, with Benni McCarthy and Steve Komphela having emerged as front-runners, but Mark Fish has pointed out why Helman Mkhalele fits the role.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) will soon face the crucial task of appointing a new coach to maintain the stability and momentum built under the Belgian's leadership.

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Hugo Broos has confirmed he will step down as Bafana Bafana coach following the 2026 World Cup, concluding a five-year spell that has revitalised the national side.

Since taking charge in 2021, the Belgian tactician has transformed the team into a formidable force in African football.

His planned departure means SAFA must identify a successor capable of building on the solid foundations he has established.

Mark Fish, a key member of the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, believes the answer is already within the team's setup.

"We can’t underestimate the importance of what Helman [Mkhalele] has done alongside Broos," Fish told Sowetan Live.

"We’ve seen the success of the team, and Helman has been a key part of that. Why not give him a chance?"

Mark Fish highlighted the need for continuity, pointing to the progress made at various levels of South African football.

"Our junior national teams are qualifying for World Cups, so we finally have some continuity in our football. Why not have that at the highest level of the national team?"

He added, "He knows the players, and he’s done a phenomenal job as a link between the players and Broos. He’s someone that can be trusted."

The incoming coach will have big shoes to fill. Broos has set a high bar, guiding Bafana Bafana to a bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON and putting them in a strong position in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The team is also enjoying its longest unbeaten run since the last AFCON tournament.

Hugo Broos himself has previously advocated for Mkhalele, stating that his assistant "thinks like him 95% of the time."

The next coach will be expected to not only match but build upon these achievements, with Broos currently holding the record as the longest-serving Bafana coach.

Despite the strong endorsements, a significant obstacle stands in Mkhalele's way. The former Bafana international holds a CAF B license, which falls short of the continental body's requirements for coaching a senior men's national team.

Under CAF regulations, head coaches must possess a CAF A or Pro License. To be eligible for the top job, Mkhalele will need to upgrade his coaching qualifications, a crucial step in his journey toward potentially leading the national team into its next chapter.