Finally, it is official. Pitso Mosimane has been appointed as the new head coach of South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, returning to the position 14 years after completing his first spell.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) officially unveiled Mosimane on Tuesday, September 1, at a ceremony held at SAFA House in Johannesburg. His appointment ends weeks of negotiations and uncertainty after he was approved by SAFA’s executive committee in August.
Mosimane returns to Bafana Bafana
Mosimane takes over from Hugo Broos, who left after a five-year spell that helped restore South Africa to the upper level of international football.
Broos guided Bafana Bafana to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, setting a high standard for his successor. Mosimane now has the responsibility of building on that progress as he prepares the team for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Appointment delayed for several weeks
Although SAFA’s National Executive Committee approved Mosimane as the preferred candidate to return to the national team on August 8, 2026, the official appointment was delayed due to contract negotiations and issues surrounding his technical staff.
According to reports by IOL, the negotiations also involved his salary and the coaches Mosimane wanted to have on his technical bench. Eventually, both sides reached an agreement and Mosimane was officially unveiled today.
“It is more than just a coaching job”
Speaking after his unveiling, Mosimane said he accepted the position with humility, pride and determination, stressing that leading the national team is a responsibility that goes beyond personal interests.
The experienced coach said he believes he still has a contribution to make to the football of his country and that he is returning with far greater experience than he had during his first spell.
Mosimane has extensive international experience
Since leaving Bafana Bafana in 2012, Mosimane has built an impressive record in African and Middle Eastern football.
At Mamelodi Sundowns, he won several South African league titles and guided the club to the CAF Champions League title in 2016.
He later joined Al Ahly of Egypt, where he won the CAF Champions League in back-to-back years, in 2020 and 2021, along with other domestic and continental trophies.
That experience has made his return to the national team different from his first spell, with South African media describing him as a more successful and experienced coach.
Big task begins immediately
Mosimane will not have much time to build a new team. Bafana Bafana are expected to begin preparations for their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign towards the end of September.
According to recent reports, South Africa’s first match in the qualifying campaign will be against Guinea, before they face Eritrea away from home.
This means Mosimane will have to make quick decisions regarding the squad, playing system and technical staff.
Can he continue Broos’ success?
That is the big question facing Mosimane.
Broos left Bafana Bafana in good form following their success at the 2026 World Cup. Mosimane must now prove that his experience of winning major trophies can also translate into success at international level.
On the other hand, his return could give players and supporters renewed hope because of his history of winning major African trophies.
Mosimane’s third spell in charge of Bafana?
Mosimane previously served as Bafana Bafana head coach from 2010 to 2012, having also worked as an interim coach during an earlier period.
His return now makes him one of the most experienced coaches to have managed the South African national team.
