Pitso Mosimane confirmed as new Bafana Bafana head coach

Pitso Mosimane has been appointed head coach of Bafana Bafana, with the South African Football Association (SAFA) confirming the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly manager will return to lead the national team.

Mosimane has been without a club since leaving Esteghlal FC in January 2025. During that time, he repeatedly expressed his interest in taking charge of a national side, with the ambitions of winning the Africa Cup of Nations and guiding a team to the FIFA World Cup.

SAFA had already announced on 8 August that its National Executive Committee had approved Mosimane as the successor to Hugo Broos. However, the appointment was subject to negotiations between the association and Mosimane’s representatives.

Those discussions continued for three weeks before the two sides reached an agreement over a contract.

“Coach Pitso Mosimane arrives at SAFA House ahead of the confirmation as the new Bafana Bafana coach. He takes over from the former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos,” SAFA stated.

The appointment marks Mosimane’s second spell in charge of Bafana Bafana. He first became national-team coach after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, agreeing to a four-year contract.

That initial tenure ended with his dismissal after South Africa failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

Before becoming head coach, Mosimane worked as an assistant to Carlos Alberto Parreira and Joel Natalino Santana. His return now gives him another opportunity to lead South Africa, having previously been in charge during the period following the 2010 World Cup.

Mosimane’s most prominent club roles came with Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly. He was also most recently in club management at Esteghlal FC, before departing in January 2025.

SAFA’s confirmation ends the uncertainty over who will replace Broos as Bafana Bafana coach. The association had approved Mosimane’s appointment earlier in August, but the final agreement was only completed after the extended negotiations with his camp.

Mosimane has consistently made clear that international management remains a key ambition. His stated objectives include competing for the Africa Cup of Nations and taking part in the FIFA World Cup.

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