Pitso Mosimane remains frontrunner as SAFA prepare to name new Bafana Bafana coach

The South African Football Association (SAFA) is expected to announce the new head coach of the national team before the end of this month, according to Technical Director Molefi Ntseki.

Speaking at the launch of Pitso Mosimane’s book, Ntseki revealed that the association is carefully following the necessary procedures to ensure it appoints the right candidate to lead Bafana Bafana into a crucial period of international competition.

The former South Africa coach explained that while the recruitment process has taken longer than many had anticipated, the delay is a result of SAFA’s commitment to conducting a thorough assessment of all shortlisted candidates rather than rushing into a decision.

“The processes are the ones that are holding us back because we don’t just hit hand or maybe appoint anybody without having a proper audit of the interviews that has to be conducted. So it is the process itself that is taking this long,” Ntseki said.

“But I think by the end of the month or beginning of next month we should be having a coach because from the technical division we have got a plan.”

Ntseki stressed that appointing a coach in the coming weeks is vital, with South Africa set to embark on an intense run of international fixtures later this year. He noted that the incoming manager will have little time to settle and must immediately begin preparing the squad for the upcoming qualification campaign.

“That coach has to start scouting and preparing for the qualifiers because the qualifiers will happen. Six games will be played between September and December. So that is why it is important for whoever will be coming in has to start and then hit the ground running,” he added.

The urgency surrounding the appointment reflects the importance of the qualification schedule, with six matches lined up over a four-month period. SAFA is therefore keen to ensure the new coach has sufficient time to assess players, assemble a competitive squad and implement his tactical plans before the campaign begins.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane continues to be widely regarded as one of the leading contenders for the position. The highly decorated tactician has repeatedly been linked with a return to the national team setup thanks to his impressive coaching pedigree and success across African football.

While SAFA has yet to officially confirm its preferred candidate, Ntseki’s latest comments suggest the association is entering the final stages of the recruitment process, with an announcement expected in the coming days.

The appointment will mark a significant moment for South African football as Bafana Bafana look to build on recent progress and strengthen their bid to qualify for upcoming major international tournaments.