Pitso Mosimane embraces responsibility after being named Bafana Bafana head coach

Pitso Mosimane says leading Bafana Bafana is a responsibility that is “bigger than Pitso Mosimane” after being confirmed as South Africa’s new men’s senior team coach.

Mosimane was unveiled at a press conference at SAFA House on Tuesday morning, succeeding Belgian Hugo Broos, who chose not to renew his contract after completing his initial five-year deal.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach said he accepted the role with a clear understanding of the significance attached to the national team and the expectations of the country.

“I take this responsibility knowing I still have something to give in football,” said Mosimane.

“I know this is not a coaching job; this is bigger than Pitso Mosimane, I understand what this team means to South Africa.”

Mosimane said he was taking charge with pride, determination and humility, while acknowledging the emotional connection between Bafana Bafana and the public.

“I accept the challenge.”

“When you coach Bafana Bafana you represent your country…You carry the hopes of a nation.”

The 61-year-old described the national team as a symbol capable of uniting South Africans, particularly when the country rallies behind the players.

“We know what it feels like when South Africa connects with the national team.

“We know the players, the children want to wear the [Bafana] jersey, the country comes to a standstill

“That is the special thing about a national team.

“When Bafana players, the country stands together…It is who we are as South Africa.”

Mosimane also linked that sense of unity to the country’s national anthems and the call for people to come together.

“It is captured in our national anthems; it sounds the call to come together.”

The new coach begins his tenure with South Africa facing a difficult route in Group D. Bafana Bafana have been drawn alongside Guinea, Eritrea and tournament co-hosts Kenya.

Kenya’s automatic qualification as co-hosts leaves little room for dropped points in the group, increasing the pressure on Mosimane from the outset. His first competitive assignment will come in September, when South Africa face back-to-back opening qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.

Mosimane returns to the Bafana Bafana post after previously serving as an assistant coach and later taking charge of the national team. He is now tasked with guiding the senior side through a demanding qualification campaign while carrying the hopes attached to one of the country’s most prominent sporting institutions.