ATLANTA, July 9 (Reuters) – South Africa coach Hugo Bruce has confirmed his departure after a fortnight of uncertainty over whether the 74-year-old would stay after the country reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
Bruce had claimed before the final that he would retire, but when South Africa lost to co-hosts Canada in the last-32 on 28 June, he was unconvinced and said he might be tempted to stay.
But in an interview in his native Belgium, Bruce said he would not hold the position but could help as a consultant for the team.
“Will I ultimately continue as coach? No, it's irreversible! If they need me for something else, maybe in scouting: that's something else. But football will no longer be part of my life 24 hours a day,” Bruce told voetbalnieuws.be.
“I have already had talks with the chairman of the South African Football Association. He would like to keep me on, but in a different role, as an advisor or something similar. I will return at the end of July to say the final farewell. I am curious to see what he will propose to me.”
Bruce remained in the post for five years, becoming the country's longest-serving coach and leading South Africa to qualify for their first World Cup in 16 years.
“My wife is happy that I'm leaving, but she's already warned me: 'Just make sure you don't get in my way!'
Bruce said, “Suppose I get to be in South Africa for a few weeks every two months: why not? It's better than fussing at home because I've got nothing to do.”
(Writing by Mark Gleason in Atlanta; Editing by Ken Ferriss)