Pitso Mosimane approved as new Bafana Bafana head coach

The South African Football Association’s (SAFA) National Executive Committee has approved Pitso Mosimane’s appointment as the next Bafana Bafana head coach, paving the way for his return to the South African senior men’s national team.

Mosimane was endorsed at an Extraordinary NEC Meeting held at SAFA House on Saturday, 8 August 2026. He is set to succeed Hugo Broos, who stepped down from the role a few days ago.

SAFA says some details still need to be finalised before the appointment is formally confirmed. The association’s president, Dr Danny Jordaan, said the announcement would be made next week.

“The NEC has approved the appointment of coach Pitso to Bafana Bafana, but we still need to tie up some loose ends. We will make a formal announcement of the coach next week,” said SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan following the NEC Extraordinary Meeting.

The decision marks a potential return to the national team for Mosimane, who has previously led Bafana Bafana. His appointment comes shortly after the team’s landmark campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bafana Bafana returned from the tournament a few weeks ago having qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 24 years. They also progressed to the second round for the first time in the country’s history.

South Africa secured that achievement with a 1-0 victory over South Korea in Monterrey, Mexico. Thapelo Maseko scored the only goal of the match, sending Bafana Bafana into the knockout phase of the 2026 global showpiece.

The national side’s progress at the tournament means Mosimane could take charge during a period of heightened expectations around the team. However, SAFA has not yet formally announced the appointment, with the remaining details still to be completed.

The NEC meeting was described by SAFA as successful, with members discussing the agenda at length. Dr Jordaan chaired the proceedings and said the discussions were thorough and energetic.

“The discussions at the NEC Extraordinary Meeting were robust and engaging,” SAFA said, adding that Dr Jordaan believed the Members had considered all the items vigorously, as they always do.

The NEC’s approval is the latest step in the process of replacing Broos. Although Mosimane has been backed by the executive committee, SAFA’s formal confirmation is expected next week.

Until then, the association has stopped short of presenting Mosimane as the officially appointed head coach. The approval nevertheless puts him in line to lead Bafana Bafana after a World Cup campaign that delivered two historic milestones for South African football.