Belgian tactician Hugo Broos is set to embark on a unique quest at the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. As the only head coach among the 24 participating nations who has already lifted the prestigious trophy, the 73-year-old grandfather now aims to etch his name into the history books alongside an elite counterpart.
The Pursuit of a Rare Double
Broos, who masterminded Cameroon's against-all-odds triumph in 2017, hopes to emulate the feat of French coach Herve Renard. Renard remains the only manager to have won the AFCON with two different nations, leading Zambia to glory in 2012 and repeating the success with Ivory Coast in 2015. Broos's South African squad, known as Bafana Bafana, will carry the hopes of a nation eager to win its first continental title since 1996.
The veteran coach guided South Africa to a surprising third-place finish at the last edition in Ivory Coast, exceeding all expectations. The team's journey included a dramatic semi-final exit, losing on penalties to eventual runners-up Nigeria, before securing the bronze medal by defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo, also in a shootout.
Navigating a Tough Group and Managing Expectations
Drawn in Group B alongside Angola, record seven-time champions Egypt, and neighbours Zimbabwe, Broos has urged caution despite the growing optimism among South African supporters. He vividly recalled the pressure from their 2024 campaign, where an opening loss to Mali sparked calls on social media for their plane's engines to be kept running for an immediate return home.
"Losing your first group match puts you under immediate intense pressure," Broos told reporters, highlighting the critical importance of their opening fixture against Angola in Marrakesh. He warned that a stumble against Angola would force a must-win scenario against an Egyptian side spearheaded by Mohamed Salah. Broos also stressed that Zimbabwe, despite being the lowest-ranked team in the group, consistently raises its performance level against South Africa.
Broos's Legacy and the Coaching Landscape
Widely regarded as South Africa's best coach since Clive Barker – who led the 1996 AFCON victory and World Cup qualification – Broos has already secured significant achievements. He has qualified South Africa for two successive AFCON tournaments and, crucially, secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face Mexico, South Korea, and a European team in Group A.
The coaching roster in Morocco tells its own story. Broos is one of seven coaches returning from the 2024 edition, with others like Walid Regragui (Morocco) and Sebastien Desabre (DR Congo) staying with their teams. Notably, there will be three Belgian coaches in Morocco: Broos, Tom Saintfiet (now with Mali), and Paul Put (Uganda). The tournament will feature 14 African coaches, nine Europeans, and Argentine Miguel Gamondi of Tanzania representing South America.
Broos carries the distinction of being the last European coach to win the AFCON, with the three subsequent titles going to African managers: Algeria's Djamel Belmadi, Senegal's Aliou Cisse, and Ivory Coast's Emerse Fae. As the tournament kicks off on Sunday with hosts Morocco as favourites, all eyes will be on the experienced Belgian to see if he can guide South Africa on another memorable run and join Renard in a very exclusive club.
