Should Abdeslam Ouaddou be in the Bafana Bafana conversation when Hugo Broos retires?
Abdeslam Ouaddou has impressed ever he was appointed as Orlando Pirates head coach. With Hugo Broos retiring at the end of the World Cup, should Ouaddou’s name be added to the list of potential successors?
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The South African Football Association will be tasked with finding a worthy successor for Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos when the Belgian leaves the position following the conclusion of next year’s World Cup in North America.
It’s no secret that Broos aims to retire at the end of the global showpiece in Canada, Mexico and the United States, and SAFA should plan ahead to ensure that they have a smooth succession plan for the next man in the hot seat.
So far, the usual names have been thrown into the hat. Pitso Mosimane is currently without a job, and his CV should put him near the top of SAFA’s shortlist. There’s Bafana legend Benni McCarthy, who is making a name for himself with the Kenya national team.
Another name that has been mentioned is that of Helman Mkhalele, who has been Broos’ number two for the past couple of years. Mkhalele’s appointment would receive the backing of the Bafana coach, who has insisted time and time again that he is the perfect man to take over from him.
Steve Barker, nephew of Bafana’s 1996 Africa Cup of Nations–winning coach Clive Barker, is also seen as someone with a chance.
Recent reports have also suggested that DR Congo’s Sébastien Desabre is in the running. DR Congo stunned Nigeria last month to book their place in next year’s inter-confederation play-offs. Should they qualify for the World Cup, he could find himself as the favourite to land the job.
Another name that deserves to be mentioned is that of Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The Moroccan has been sensational since joining the Sea Robbers. With Ouaddou in charge, Pirates have already won two trophies this season and currently sit at the top of the Betway Premiership.
Ouaddou’s strengths as Pirates head coach centre on his modern, tactically disciplined approach, built around a structured 4-2-3-1, organised pressing, quick transitions, and strong defensive organisation shaped by his background as a top-level centre-back. He has also shown a genuine belief in South African talent, adapting well to the local football environment and earning respect for his calm authority and clarity of ideas.
Another of Ouaddou’s biggest advantages is the strong, almost militant sense of loyalty he has built with his players. Combined with his calm authority and experience as a top-level defender, he creates an environment where players are willing to “go to war” for him because they believe in both the man and the system.
This kind of unified, high-commitment culture is exactly what national teams rely on, making his leadership style something that would translate seamlessly and powerfully into a Bafana Bafana setup.
Ultimately, whoever takes over from Broos will inherit a team that has rebuilt its identity and restored pride under the veteran coach. SAFA cannot afford to get this appointment wrong; the next head coach must not only sustain the progress made, but elevate Bafana Bafana into a consistent force on the continent and beyond.
With the clock ticking toward Broos’ retirement, the time for bold, forward-thinking decision-making has arrived.
IOL Sport