Ernst Middendorp not eager to experiment with Bafana Bafana head coach role

Regardless of how Bafana Bafana ultimately fare at the finals, Broos' tenure with the South Africa national team has been an unmitigated success.

Broos helped fans rediscover their love for the national team with excellent performances at two recent Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and qualification to the eagerly anticipated global showpiece.

Bafana play South Korea, Czech Republic and co-hosts Mexico in Group A when the competition kicks off on June 11.

The South African Football Federation face a difficult task in finding someone able to follow in the footsteps of the 74-year-old Belgian, who recently reiterated his intention to retire from coaching after the finals.

Well-travellled Middendorp says that despite his intimate knowledge of the country, he expects SAFA to appoint a replacement with international experience.

"I have never coached a national team in my entire 33 years," Middendorp told KickOff.

"Being a head coach for the national team is not something to experiment with, this job is too serious, to do it you really need experience and the expertise not only qualifications.

“You have to also guide players who are playing outside South Africa and not only those who are playing in the PSL.”

The former Kaizer Chiefs and Martizburg United boss added though that he would welcome the opportunity to be a part of the Bafana technical team.

“I would be definitely interested to contribute my knowledge and expertise in that capacity, but by saying that I'm not applying,” said Middendorp.

"I'm not raising my arm saying I would like to be a head coach of Bafana Bafana after Hugo Broos."