Gavin Hunt declines to enter debate over Pitso Mosimane’s potential Bafana Bafana return

Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt has declined to comment on reports that Pitso Mosimane is close to returning as coach of the South African national team.

Mosimane has reportedly become the preferred candidate of the South African Football Association’s National Executive Committee (SAFA NEC) to replace Hugo Broos after a meeting held last Saturday. However, negotiations between Mosimane and SAFA are said to be continuing, meaning no formal appointment has yet been confirmed.

Hunt was asked about the developments after Stellenbosch’s 3-3 draw with Polokwane City at Seshego Stadium on Tuesday, but made it clear he did not want to become involved in the discussion.

“I don’t want to comment about Bafana. Sorry, I’d rather stay out of that debate because I have my feelings,” Hunt said during his post-match press conference.

Mosimane, widely known as ‘Jingles’, is regarded as one of the most decorated and tactically accomplished coaches on the African continent. His honours include multiple CAF Champions League titles, domestic league championships and a CAF Coach of the Year award.

Those achievements are understood to have contributed to the SAFA NEC’s decision to favour Mosimane as the coach to succeed Broos. Despite the reports linking him with the position, the Kagiso-born coach has not yet officially taken charge of Bafana Bafana.

The contract discussions must still be concluded before SAFA can make an official announcement. Until then, the national team remains without confirmation of a new coach following the reports surrounding the future of Broos.

Hunt’s decision to avoid the subject reflects his established view on the Bafana Bafana coaching position. The four-time PSL-winning coach has previously said he does not believe he should apply for the national team job.

Instead, Hunt has argued that the country’s football authorities should identify the coach they believe is best suited to their plans and approach that individual directly. He has maintained that coaches should not be required to audition or campaign for the role.

His comments came after a high-scoring encounter in which Stellenbosch and Polokwane City shared six goals at Seshego Stadium. Hunt chose not to expand on his personal views about the coaching debate, despite the growing attention around Mosimane’s possible appointment.

If the reported agreement is completed, Mosimane’s first immediate responsibility will be to lead Bafana Bafana in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Those qualification matches are scheduled to begin in September.