The football world in South Africa is going to witness a new dawn with the approval of Pitso Mosimane as a Bafana Bafana head coach on August 8, 2026.
One of Africa’s most respected football coaches in recent times will return as a coach of the national team of South Africa after being approved by the SAFA National Executive Committee.
He replaces Hugo Broos, whose tenure as a Bafana Bafana coach saw them qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and reach the knockout stages.
He is now set to build on this progress ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers.
Pitso Mosimane Back With Bafana Bafana
Mosimane is not new to the South African national squad.
The man joined the Bafana Bafana setup as an assistant coach for the 2010 FIFA World Cup before becoming the head coach that year. This stint expired in 2012.
This time round, Mosimane comes with a more robust coaching track record compared to what he brought on his first spell.
Since leaving the national team, Mosimane has become one of the most successful African coaches at the club level.
What Has Mosimane Accomplished Since His First Spell?
The most important distinction between Mosimane’s two spells is the wealth of experience he has gained at the top level of African club football.
He won the CAF Champions League thrice, once with Mamelodi Sundowns and twice with Egyptian behemoth Al Ahly.
These victories played a major role in establishing Mosimane as a coach who could handle pressure games and compete consistently with the best clubs in Africa.
His experience as a coach internationally has increased tremendously since his time at the national team.
Why Is Hugo Broos Departing?
This time, Mosimane takes control of a Bafana Bafana side that is one of its best in recent years.
Hugo Broos has managed this team for five years and managed to qualify South Africa for the 2026 World Cup.
Then, the side has progressed to the knockout stages of the competition, thus giving a chance for a new positive start for South African football.
Therefore, there is no need to create a new team.
Mosimane has to manage a side that is supposed to continue progressing and competing at the highest level in Africa.
What Does the Return of Mosimane Mean for South Africa?
There are several factors that should be taken into consideration.
First, there is experience and expectations.
Mosimane has already proved that he is able to win big competitions on the continent.
The experience of the Champions League proves that he has a certain continental reputation, which not many coaches have.
However, the expectations from him are higher now since Bafana Bafana has just experienced the best World Cup ever.
In addition, Mosimane would have to determine whether the team which excelled at the World Cup will still continue to perform if using a different style of play.
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AFCON Qualifiers Imminent
The circumstances surrounding the appointment might place even more pressure on Mosimane’s second stint.
The 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches are set to kick off in September 2026.
This gives the coach very little time to prepare his squad before competitive action commences.
This means there will be no time for long experimentation processes.
It will be the task of the coach to evaluate the current squad, determine his tactical style, and select players who suit his ideas.
