REVELATIONS: Broos expected to hand in his CV at SAFA House if...

The search for Hugo Broos' successor as Bafana Bafana head coach is set to begin earnestly, as per the word from SAFA, although the issue of the Belgian's future at the helm is not cut and dried.

South Africa open their FIFA World Cup campaign against co-hosts Mexico on 11 June.

The global showpiece is widely considered the swansong for Broos before he goes on retirement at 74.

READ: Refereeing lens on how Chiefs midfield destroyer 'survived Loftus'

These were the sentiments shared by SAFA Technical Committee chairperson Jack Maluleke at a media briefing at SAFA House on Sunday.

"For now, we are focused on the Football World Cup," said Maluleke.

"According to the agreement with the coach, this will be Hugo Broos’ final tournament at the World Cup."

The press conference saw the Technical Committee confirm to the public that the process of recruiting a potential successor will begin soon.

The veteran coach, who took over the reins in May 2021 on a five-year deal, has overseen a complete turnaround for the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations champions, notably guiding the side to a bronze finish in the 2023 edition of the biennial competition.

He also led them to qualification for their first FIFA World Cup via the qualification route since 2002.

For all that success, though, the mother body has insisted the forthright tactician will have to reapply for his role like all other candidates should he wish to continue beyond the global spectacle.

"There are rumours that SAFA is negotiating with Hugo Broos. As far as I know, as the Technical Chair, we did not go there," Maluleke said.

READ: Downs defender caught up in mixed fortunes

"But we opened the process. If Hugo Broos has an interest in continuing, I think he will also make a presentation to say 'I’m available'. We won’t close that space."

For the purpose of doing things in a planned manner, Maluleke said they need to start the process of finding Broos' successor soon.

"We are aware that immediately after the World Cup, the team must proceed with other qualifiers. So, we are not going to close on anybody, including Hugo Broos. If he is having that interest, he must come and make his presentation, and then we take it from there."