The search will soon be on for the next head coach of South Africa’s senior football team, Bafana Bafana.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) is preparing for life after Hugo Broos, whose tenure as Bafana Bafana coach is set to end after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Broos is expected to retire after the global showpiece, though SAFA says the door remains open for him to continue, but he would have to re-apply for the job.

The Belgian has been in charge for the past five years, helping Bafana Bafana qualify for this year’s World Cup, to go with a third place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

SAFA Technical Committee Chairperson Jack Maluleke says the association will soon begin the process to fill the position.

“We have to start soon with the process because we are aware that immediately after the World Cup, the team must proceed with other qualifiers, so we are not going to close the door on anyone – including Hugo Broos,” said Maluleke, as quoted by SABC Sport.

Broos previously said he would retire after the World Cup, but admitted later on that he may have spoken out prematurely, hinting he may stay on.