Pitso Mosimane Officially Unveiled As New Bafana Bafana Head Coach
The decorated coach has returned to lead South Africa for a second permanent spell after weeks of negotiations between Mosimane and SAFA.
Pitso Mosimane has officially been unveiled as the new head coach of Bafana Bafana, ending weeks of uncertainty over the successor to Hugo Broos.
Mosimane was presented at SAFA House on Tuesday after the South African Football Association’s National Executive Committee approved his appointment in August. SAFA president Danny Jordaan had said at the time that the organisation needed to “tie up some loose ends” before confirming the appointment.
Those negotiations reportedly included Mosimane’s contract and the make-up of his technical team. Among the staff linked with his return are fitness coach Kabelo Rangoaga and performance analyst Musi Matlaba, both of whom have previously worked with the coach.
The appointment is now official, with Mosimane beginning his second permanent spell in charge of the national team.
Mosimane Emphasises Responsibility Of National Team Return
Speaking after his unveiling, Mosimane stressed the significance of returning to coach his country and framed the appointment as a responsibility rather than simply another coaching position.
“I know that this is bigger than Pitso Mosimane. I accept this role with great humility,” Mosimane said.
He added: “I take this responsibility knowing that I still have something to give in football, especially in my country.”
Another message attributed to Mosimane similarly emphasised the broader importance of the position: “This is simply not just a coaching job, this is bigger than Pitso Mosimane.”
His return comes with considerable expectations given his record in club and continental football since his previous spell with Bafana Bafana.
A Second Permanent Spell With Bafana Bafana
Mosimane previously led South Africa between 2010 and 2012, having also worked with the national team as an assistant and caretaker coach before becoming permanent head coach.
His first tenure ended after Bafana failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa drew 0-0 with Sierra Leone in their final qualifier and initially believed the result had secured qualification, but the head-to-head rule ultimately worked against them.
Mosimane now returns with considerably greater coaching experience.
After leaving the national team, he enjoyed a highly successful period at Mamelodi Sundowns, guiding the club to the CAF Champions League title in 2016. He subsequently took charge of Al Ahly, winning the CAF Champions League twice and reaching three consecutive finals.
That record has heightened expectations surrounding his return to international football.
Immediate Focus Turns To Afcon Qualifiers
Mosimane's first challenge will arrive quickly, with Bafana Bafana preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
South Africa are scheduled to face Guinea and Eritrea in September, leaving the new coach with limited time to settle into the role before competitive fixtures begin.
Bafana are also entering this period after a historic 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign under Broos, when South Africa reached the knockout stages for the first time. Mosimane therefore inherits a side coming off a significant tournament achievement.
His first squad selection will offer an early indication of his plans. Mosimane is expected to announce his first Bafana Bafana squad on Wednesday at 12:00.
The composition of his technical team is also expected to become clearer, with Rangoaga and Matlaba identified as potential members of the setup and another assistant-coach position still expected to be confirmed.
Mosimane now has the task of building on the progress made under Broos while establishing his own approach to the national team.
For the coach, the return represents another opportunity to lead South Africa after his first tenure ended in disappointment. His first major decision of the new era will come with the announcement of his squad ahead of the September qualifiers.
