Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos says South Africa must use the experience gained at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a springboard to challenge for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

Speaking after the team’s return to Johannesburg, Broos emphasised that regular participation in major tournaments such as the World Cup and AFCON is vital for long-term growth.

He said the exposure to high-level opposition has helped the squad improve significantly over the past five years, warning that missing out on such tournaments could set the team back considerably.

South Africa made history by progressing beyond the World Cup group stage for the first time, earning praise for their performances against teams such as South Korea, Czechia, Mexico, and Canada before being eliminated in the last 32.

Broos highlighted that the lessons learned from competing at this level should now translate into stronger ambitions, including winning AFCON and qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.

He also hinted at the possibility of extending his coaching tenure beyond his previously stated retirement plans to guide the team through AFCON 2027.

Meanwhile, captain Ronwen Williams praised the development of younger players in the squad, particularly Relebohile Mofokeng, who secured a move to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, and Thapelo Maseko, whose improved form at the tournament was noted.Williams said having more South African players competing in top European leagues will only strengthen the national team.

Overall, the message from both coach and captain was clear: Bafana Bafana are evolving, but must now convert promise into silverware on the continental stage.