Simba Marumo backs Pitso Mosimane to succeed Hugo Broos as Bafana Bafana coach

Simba Marumo has backed Pitso Mosimane to return as South Africa coach, saying the former Bafana Bafana manager’s experience with major clubs abroad could help strengthen the national team and improve the country’s football development.

Mosimane, who led Bafana Bafana from 2010 to 2012 before leaving in an uncomfortable manner, is among the leading candidates to replace Hugo Broos. The Belgian coach is set to retire after South Africa’s World Cup campaign, although the South African Football Association (SAFA) has yet to formally confirm his departure.

Marumo believes Mosimane’s work in different countries since his first spell with the national team has given him valuable knowledge and contacts that could benefit both Bafana Bafana and South African players.

“We should look to grow our local talent of coaches to get them. I think Helman would do a great job, but I feel that somebody like Pitso, with where we are, would be very well placed to do an incredible job with the national team,” said Marumo.

“And I think with everything that he has learned and more contact that he has overseas and so on, it can actually help a lot to get more of our players going to some of the countries where he has been.”

Marumo also stressed the importance of South Africa developing more coaches from within the country rather than relying primarily on foreign appointments. He argued that Mosimane’s international experience could be combined with a broader plan to expose more South African players to football in other countries.

“Because we need to start exporting more players. The more we export, the richer our football will be. I would vouch for Pitso, Rulani, Dan Dance.Those would be my candidates for the national team.”

The former player, who represented Mamelodi Sundowns and Silver Stars, said Broos should receive credit for his work with Bafana Bafana. However, Marumo does not view the 74-year-old as a long-term answer for South African football and believes plans should already be in place for the next phase.

He called for a clear succession strategy that would give local coaches greater opportunities to lead the national team. In his view, home-grown managers are better placed than foreign coaches to understand South African footballers and get the best from them.

Marumo also believes local coaches can bring an additional sense of patriotism to an international side. He feels that emotional connection can sometimes prove decisive in matches, making the difference between victory and defeat.

Broos has announced his intention to retire at the conclusion of South Africa’s World Cup campaign. Despite that announcement, SAFA has not yet confirmed that he will leave his position or named a successor.