Pitso Mosimane admits Bafana Bafana ambition but says appointment ‘not my call’

Pitso Mosimane has confirmed he wants to become Bafana Bafana head coach but insists the decision on Hugo Broos’ successor rests entirely with the South African Football Association (SAFA).

Broos’ contract with the senior men’s national team expires at the end of this month, and SAFA has yet to announce whether the Belgian will remain in charge or be replaced. Conflicting reports have suggested both that the 72-year-old is preparing to step down and that he could be offered an extension.

Speaking on Monday to Robert Marawa on #MSWON947, Mosimane addressed growing speculation that he is poised to take over the national side.

When Marawa asked whether his appointment was effectively a formality, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach pushed back strongly.

“It’s not me taking over, Rob,” Mosimane replied. “I wish. Yes, it’s my desire, why not? But I don’t make the call. It’s not only me.”

Competition for the role

Mosimane, who has recently launched a manual on youth football, stressed that he is just one of several contenders who have engaged with SAFA about the position.

He said there are other coaches who have held talks over the job but have opted not to speak publicly about it, unlike him.

“Everybody has been there and had a conversation and some people don’t even say it like I say it that they’ve been there,” he explained.

“They submitted their CVs. They submitted their plan of how we’re going to take this thing from where it is and take it to a higher level, right?

“So, they don’t say. It’s many, many people, okay.”

While Mosimane has been open about his interest in the role, he underlined that he is not questioning why his name has attracted such intense attention.

“And I’m not asking why you’re picking on me,” he continued.

Minister’s support adds to speculation

Mosimane also acknowledged that public backing from Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has added fuel to the debate around his possible appointment.

“I guess the minister has said some things and that created also a little bit of [noise],” he said.

McKenzie has spoken favourably in recent weeks about Mosimane’s credentials, which has led to heightened public discussion over whether the highly decorated coach should return to the national setup.

Uncertain future for Broos and Bafana

Broos, who guided Bafana Bafana to a third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, remains in limbo as his deal runs down, with no clear indication from SAFA on whether they intend to retain him or move in a new direction.

That uncertainty has opened the door to speculation over a possible change in the dugout, with Mosimane widely regarded as one of the leading South African candidates given his success with Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly.

However, Mosimane was at pains to emphasise that the process involves multiple applicants and that the final decision rests solely with SAFA’s leadership.

For now, he says his desire to lead Bafana Bafana is clear, but so too is the fact that he cannot control what happens next.