Pitso Mosimane is set to return to the post of Bafana Bafana coach as the South African Football Association (SAFA) National Executive Committee approves his appointment as the successor to Hugo Broos
Mosimane’s appointment follows Broos’s decision to step down as Bafana Bafana coach following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The SAFA National Executive Committee rubber stamped Mosimane’s re-appointment on August 8, 2026, but it was not as if he was already in post. The SAFA president Danny Jordaan noted that certain details had to be concluded before an official announcement could be made.
The latest reports suggest that the technical details of Mosimane’s contract had been largely concluded with the former Bafana Bafana coach agreeing to return to the post.
How Mosimane became the man
Mosimane’s name had been floating around as the preferred candidate for the post even before his formal appointment. The former Bafana Bafana coach hinted at his possible return to the post when he was launching his manual recently in July 2026.
At the time, Mosimane was speaking of his conversations with the football authorities on matters pertained to the game’s development in the country. It must be noted, however, that the post of Bafana Bafana coach had not yet been offered to him at the time.
SAFA’s technical committee recommended Mosimane for the post, with his appointment subsequently being rubber stamped by the NEC in August. It was the result of a selection process in which the association identified a short-list of candidates who had been considered for the post.
The difference between Mosimane and the rest is that his appointment by the NEC has been formalized, with the latest reports suggesting that the deal was all but completed except for a few contractual formalities.
Broos leaves after historic World Cup campaign
Mosimane’s return to the post comes as the successor to Broos, who has led Bafana Bafana to their best-ever performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The Belgian tactician took over the reigns of the national team in 2021 before guiding the team to a third-place finish in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He has also led the team to the World Cup finals in 2026, where they lost to Canada in the Round of 32.
Broos has confirmed that he will not renew his contract after his deal expires at the end of July 2026. With that, Mosimane will step in as the new coach of Bafana Bafana at a time when the team had just registered one of its best-ever results in recent memory.
Second stint with Bafana Bafana
Mosimane will not be entirely new to the post as he had previously served as the coach of Bafana Bafana. He had been an assistant to Carlos Alberto Parreira during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa before being appointed the head coach of the team. His first tenure as the coach of Bafana Bafana, however, was short-lived as he was only in the post for two years before being replaced.
Mosimane has since been in club football, playing his part in the careers of some of the continent’s and the globe’s elite football clubs. He has also registered three CAF Champions League titles, as well as league honors with Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly.
Mosimane’s return to the post is, therefore, significant as it will see him take on a far more experienced role as compared to his first stint as Bafana Bafana coach when he had just started his coaching career.
What needs to be concluded?
The reports on Mosimane’s return to Bafana Bafana were, however, marred by the fact that the formal announcement had yet to be made. It was noted in August that contractual details needed to be concluded before the deal could be official.
The reports suggest that the two parties had been discussing the financial package that Mosimane would receive from the appointment. There were also reports that technical staff and the backroom team would need to be concluded before the deal could be official.
It was also simultaneously reported that Mosimane would be able to retain some of his technical team. Until such time that SAFA makes an official announcement, all such reports should be taken as informal discussions that are still subject to conclusion.
Timing is key
The timing of Mosimane’s return to the post is also of utmost importance considering the demands of the post. The new coach will have to hit the ground running as South Africa prepares to face the challenge of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The first friendly international match of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers will be in September 2026 when South Africa faces the likes of Guinea, Eritrea, and Kenya – the group stage opponents – in Group D. It has to be noted that Kenya will also be part of the mix for the teams vying for the qualification spot.
The timing, therefore, could prove to be very crucial considering the need to ensure continuity. Broos leaves behind a squad that comprises of a mix of youth and experience as the team embarks on a new qualification campaign.
What Mosimane’s return could mean for Bafana Bafana
Mosimane’s return to the post will be the first major challenge in his coaching career. Unlike the circumstances under which he was hired the first time around, South Africa is no longer rebuilding its status on the international scene. Instead, the team will be looking to build upon the success that Broos had registered with the team.
The immediate task for Mosimane, therefore, will be to ensure continuity while at the same time installing his philosophy of football. His experience in managing Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly will be required as he will have to ensure that the team’s players are ready to fight for the honors and trophies.
The challenge at the international level, however, will be significantly different from what he is used to in club football considering the short preparations and the limited opportunities the coach has to work with his players.
What happens next?
The next step in the process will involve the official announcement of Mosimane’s return to SAFA as the coach of Bafana Bafana. Once the details are official, then the focus will turn to finalizing his technical staff and preparing the team for the qualifiers that will begin in September 2026.
For South Africa, the return of Mosimane will be significant as it will see the country welcome back a familiar face but one who arrives at the post with more experience. He has been in club football and has registered significant achievements with some of the best teams in Africa and beyond.
FAQ
Has Pitso Mosimane been officially appointed Bafana Bafana coach?
Mosimane has been officially appointed by the SAFA NEC. The reports in late August suggest, however, that certain contractual details still had to be concluded.
Who does Mosimane replace?
Mosimane is set to replace Hugo Broos as the coach of Bafana Bafana. Broos’s contract expired at the end of July 2026, with the Belgian tactician saying that he would not renew the deal.
Has Mosimane been the coach of Bafana Bafana before?
Yes, Mosimane had been the coach of Bafana Bafana back in 2010. He was an assistant coach to Carlos Alberto Parreira before being offered the head-coaching post.
What is South Africa’s next major tournament?
The next major tournament on the horizon is the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The qualifying campaign will commence in September 2026 as South Africa faces Guinea, Eritrea, and Kenya in Group D.
