Pitso Mosimane confirmed as new South Africa coach by Safa

South Africa have confirmed Pitso Mosimane as their new Bafana Bafana coach after weeks of speculation, with South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan making the announcement on Tuesday.

Mosimane returns to the national team role as the successor to Hugo Broos, whose five-year contract has come to an end. Broos leaves after helping transform South Africa from outsiders into serious contenders and guiding the team to a historic appearance in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The tournament, held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, provided a high point for Broos before his departure. His tenure ended with Bafana Bafana having made significant progress on the international stage, but Mosimane now faces an immediate challenge as he begins a second spell in charge.

There will be little time for the new coach to settle into the role. South Africa are due to report to camp at the end of the month, when preparations will begin for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Bafana Bafana’s opening fixtures in the qualifiers will come in quick succession. They will host Guinea before travelling to face Eritrea away from home, with both matches scheduled for the end of the month.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. South Africa’s opening qualifying matches will therefore provide Mosimane with his first opportunity to establish his plans and begin the next phase of the national team’s development.

His appointment brings back a coach with previous experience of leading Bafana Bafana, following the conclusion of Broos’ time in charge. The change comes at a significant moment for South African football, with the team moving on from a successful World Cup campaign and turning its focus towards qualification for the next continental tournament.

Jordaan’s announcement ends the uncertainty surrounding the position and confirms Mosimane as the man responsible for following Broos. His immediate task will be to prepare the squad for Guinea and Eritrea while beginning the process of shaping the team for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Broos’ departure comes on a positive note following the team’s progress at the World Cup, but the new era begins almost immediately. Mosimane takes over with South Africa facing competitive fixtures at the end of the month and little opportunity to delay preparations.