Broos is back in Belgium after ending his lengthy spell in charge of Bafana Bafana. The Belgian has revealed that walking away was far more emotional than he expected.
Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, Broos explained that his assistant coach Mkhalele did not want to continue in his position without him.
HELMAN MKHALELE WANTED BROOS TO STAY WITH BAFANA BAFANA“My assistant coach, Helman Mkhalele, too. He didn’t want to stay without me,” Broos said.
The former Bafana Bafana coach said his wife was also aware of Mkhalele’s situation. She reportedly encouraged Broos to consider remaining involved with the national team.
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Broos revealed that his wife suggested a possible solution to the situation. “She said, ‘If you can stay for another year in a different role, with Helman as coach, then do it.’”
The proposal gave Broos another reason to reconsider his decision. He had already committed to retiring after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the circumstances made him question that decision.
Broos admitted that he changed his mind several times during his final week in South Africa.
“During that week, when I was there to wrap everything up, I changed my mind at least 10 times.”
Despite those doubts, Broos eventually chose to leave. He believes the decision was necessary after years of demanding work with Bafana Bafana.
The Belgian also praised the appreciation he received during his final weeks. That made saying goodbye even more difficult.
For Mkhalele, however, the departure meant potentially losing the coach he had worked alongside for years. Broos’ comments show just how close the pair had become during their time with the national team.
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