SAFA confirms Pitso Mosimane for second Bafana Bafana spell

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has officially appointed Pitso Mosimane as head coach of the Bafana Bafana, nearly two years after he left Iranian club Esteghlal FC.

Mosimane will be joined in his technical team by Musi Matlaba and Kabelo Rangoago. His return to the South Africa dugout marks a second spell in charge of the national side and represents a significant comeback for one of the country’s most prominent coaches.

The 60-year-old had been without a coaching position since departing Esteghlal FC in January 2025. His return to international management comes with Bafana Bafana, the team with which he has already had a long association as both an assistant and head coach.

Mosimane began his professional playing career at Jomo Cosmos before later representing Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. He subsequently moved abroad to join Greek club Ionikos, where he played under manager Nikos Alefantos.

His playing career also included time with Belgian side KFC Rita Berlaar and Qatari club Al Sadd. After beginning his coaching journey as an assistant with KFC Rita Berlaar’s under-11 team, Mosimane returned to South Africa to take charge of the Mamelodi Sundowns reserve side.

The late Ted Dumitru was a major influence on Mosimane’s decision to pursue management.

Mosimane moved to SuperSport United as an assistant to Bruce Grobbelaar before becoming the club’s head coach. He led the team from 2001 to 2007 and guided them to second place in the Premier Soccer League in the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons.

His first involvement with the national team came in 2007, when he served as caretaker coach for seven matches. Carlos Alberto Parreira was subsequently appointed as South Africa’s head coach, with Mosimane becoming his assistant at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Mosimane also worked as assistant to Joel Santana during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. Santana had taken over from Parreira, before Parreira later returned to the role.

In 2010, Mosimane was appointed South Africa head coach on a four-year contract. He began his tenure with a 1-0 victory over Ghana, who had reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

However, South Africa later missed out on qualification for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Mosimane was criticised for opting to play for a draw in the final qualifying match against Sierra Leone, despite South Africa needing a victory to secure their place in the tournament.

His latest appointment gives Mosimane another opportunity to lead Bafana Bafana, this time with Matlaba and Rangoago forming part of the coaching staff confirmed by SAFA.