Career Boost: World Cup success under Broos opens doors for Bafana stars

Following Bafana Bafana’s first Fifa World Cup appearance since 2010, some players who were part of Hugo Broos’ squad at the 2026 edition have made career moves. For example, Thapelo Maseko has moved from Mamelodi Sundowns to Danish heavyweights Copenhagen, while defender Olwethu Makhanya is now on the books of Scotland giants Rangers.

Consistent participation at major tournaments is a great tool to bolster the soccer profile of any country. When it comes to countries such as South Africa, which is still trying to catch up to the best nations in the world in relation to performing well consistently, such appearances become even more integral.

In the pre-Hugo Broos era, Bafana Bafana battled to even qualify consistently for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), never mind the Fifa World Cup. However, with the intervention of Belgian tactician Broos, they qualified for two successive Afcons and also booked their first World Cup participation in 16 years.

That may seem like a minute achievement. However, its significance comes from the fact that no previous Bafana Bafana boss had ever managed this. Broos’ predecessors simply did not stay long enough in the job for this to be possible. But the Belgian coach remained at the helm for five years, which shows that the usually trigger-happy South African Football Association (Safa) believed in his vision.

That trust and backing is now reaping rewards even after the departure of Broos, who officially vacated his role in July 2026 – after being appointed in May 2021. As many as three players who were part of his 26-man squad that reached the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada have made big career moves.

Thapelo Maseko has left Mamelodi Sundowns on a permanent transfer to Danish giants Copenhagen. Maseko was part of the South Africa team that secured bronze at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, but his joy was short-lived: an injury sustained at the tournament stalled his career and he struggled to regain fitness and form.

He lost his place at Sundowns and was relegated to the reserves. He wrote on social media: “I don’t even know when it started, but lately it’s like the fire in me is fading. I still train like my life depends on it. But inside it feels empty.”

In January, Cyprus-based club Limassol offered him a way out with a loan deal, and when he made his debut for them in February it was his first competitive start in nearly two years. A few months after that breakthrough, Maseko was representing his country in the biggest sports tournament in the world.

At the World Cup he played in three matches and scored once – in a crucial win against South Korea . His pace and dribbling were a constant nuisance for opposition defenders. On the back of this resurgence, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso indicated that he was willing to reintegrate Maseko back into the team. However, the 22-year-old from Sebokeng in Gauteng was adamant about leaving and heading overseas.

Then came Copenhagen, who secured his services on a four-year contract.