SAFA announce Pitso Mosimane’s return as Bafana Bafana head coach

Pitso Mosimane has been reappointed head coach of South Africa for a second time, succeeding Hugo Broos after the Belgian ended a successful five-year spell in charge of Bafana Bafana.

This comes after AfricaSoccer.com revealed that the former CAF Champions League winner with Mamelodi Sundowns will be unveiled as the head trainer.

The South African Football Association confirmed the long-awaited appointment on Tuesday, handing one of Africa’s most decorated coaches the responsibility of leading the national team into the next phase of its development.

Mosimane, widely known by his nickname “Jingles”, returns to the role after establishing himself as one of the continent’s most accomplished managers.

The 56-year-old won three CAF Champions League titles during a glittering club coaching career and now takes charge of a national side that has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence under Broos.

His immediate focus will be South Africa’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with crucial fixtures against Guinea and Eritrea scheduled to begin in September.

Mosimane inherits a team revitalised by Broos, who stepped down after deciding not to extend his contract.

The 74-year-old took over the national team in 2021 when South African football was searching for renewed direction. During his tenure, he placed faith in a new generation of players, rebuilding a squad that regained the confidence of supporters after several disappointing years.

His achievements included guiding Bafana Bafana to a bronze-medal finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, their best performance at the tournament in more than two decades.

Broos also oversaw another landmark achievement by leading South Africa into the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking one of the country’s strongest performances on football’s biggest stage.

His departure leaves behind a stable foundation, but also heightened expectations for his successor.

Few coaches on the continent boast Mosimane’s pedigree.

The South African became synonymous with sustained success at club level, particularly through his work with Mamelodi Sundowns and Egypt’s Al Ahly, where he cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s elite tacticians.

His return to the national team represents an opportunity to build on the progress made under Broos while imprinting his own philosophy on a squad combining experienced internationals with emerging talent.

The challenge, however, will be immediate.

South Africa have been drawn in a demanding Group D for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers alongside Guinea, Eritrea and tournament co-hosts Kenya.

Although Kenya are guaranteed a place at the finals as one of the hosts, South Africa cannot afford a slow start, with qualification likely to hinge on results against Guinea and Eritrea in the opening rounds.

The pressure will therefore fall on Mosimane to deliver quickly as he embarks on a new chapter with the national team.

His appointment marks the beginning of a new era for Bafana Bafana, with hopes that one of Africa’s most successful coaches can build on Broos’ legacy and guide South Africa back to consistent success on the continental stage.