Hugo Broos warns South Africa risk ‘going five years back’ with Pitso Mosimane return

Former South Africa coach Hugo Broos has warned the national team could “go five years back in time” if Pitso Mosimane is appointed as his successor.

Broos, who left his position after guiding South Africa to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was speaking to Belgian media during a lengthy interview over the weekend.

The 74-year-old was asked about his reputation for speaking openly before addressing the uncertainty surrounding Bafana Bafana’s next head coach.

South Africa’s National Executive Committee approved Mosimane’s appointment earlier this month, but contractual discussions have prevented SAFA from making the move official.

Broos said Mosimane was a successful coach but suggested his return could allow external pressure to influence the national team’s squad selection.

“You know, South Africa still don’t have a coach. The candidate is Pitso Mosimane, a successful South African coach,” Broos said.

“But they know that if he comes in, they’ll go five years back in time.”

The Belgian also claimed club owners and agents had previously tried to influence player selections, saying he had rejected such approaches during his time in charge of Bafana Bafana.

“Club owners and agents calling coaches to influence the squad selection. I threw all of them out,” he said.

“If one called, I would say bluntly: ‘I don’t talk with agents’.”

Broos’ remarks come as SAFA continues to delay the formal announcement of Mosimane’s appointment. The uncertainty has emerged just before South Africa begin preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

South Africa have been placed in Group D alongside Guinea, Eritrea and Kenya. Their qualifying campaign is scheduled to begin in September.

Mosimane would be returning to a national team he previously managed between 2010 and 2012 if his appointment is finalised.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach would take charge with expectations significantly higher than during his first spell. Since then, he has won the CAF Champions League three times, including two triumphs with Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

He also guided Mamelodi Sundowns to the club’s first continental title.

Mosimane would inherit a Bafana Bafana side coming off a landmark World Cup campaign. Broos led South Africa to qualification for the tournament and oversaw their progress to the knockout stages, where they were eliminated by Canada.

South Africa’s progress under Broos has increased the pressure on SAFA to settle the coaching situation. The association must now complete the appointment and give the incoming manager enough time to prepare for the AFCON qualifiers.

Broos’ intervention adds another layer to an already prolonged process. His criticism of potential outside influence, together with his warning that the team could regress, is likely to intensify the debate around Mosimane’s expected return.

SAFA has yet to formally confirm the appointment, despite the NEC having backed the former national team coach.