Pitso Mosimane returns to lead Bafana Bafana after 14 years

Pitso Mosimane has been formally unveiled as the new coach of Bafana Bafana, succeeding Hugo Broos three weeks after the South African Football Association’s National Executive Committee approved his appointment.

Mosimane previously managed South Africa from 2010 to 2012, having earlier worked as an assistant to Carlos Alberto Parreira and Julio Santana. He returns to the national team after a highly successful club career in which he has won more than 15 major trophies at domestic, continental and international level.

The 60-year-old said his experience since leaving Bafana Bafana had prepared him for another spell in charge.

“A lot has happened since the last time I was the coach fourteen years ago. Back then I had not won anything yet. It has been a long journey and I’m happy to say I have won 21 medals in the fourteen years since I coached Bafana Bafana. I don’t want to mention too many accolades, but this is the right time to return.”

Mosimane was presented alongside his two assistants, Musi Matlaba, who will serve as head of performance analysis, and Kabelo Rangoaga, the strength and conditioning coach.

He was also asked whether former assistant coach Helman Mkhalele had been considered for a place on his technical staff. Mosimane said he was satisfied with the experienced team he had assembled, highlighting their previous involvement at FIFA World Cup level.

“Every coach has his own technical team and they work well together and win trophies. Fans always look at the work being done, and I have people who went to the FIFA World Cup, and they understand the way we work, and we work differently than most. The people I have in my team I believe will support me.”

Mosimane declined to engage directly with comments attributed to Broos in the Belgian media. Broos was reported to have said that the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly head coach could take Bafana Bafana five years backwards. The reports also raised the possibility of agents influencing the selection of the team.

The new manager takes charge of a side that has moved into the top 55 in the world and has recently returned from the FIFA World Cup. Bafana Bafana made history at the tournament by reaching the knockout stage for the first time.

Mosimane acknowledged the progress made under Broos but said the team still had considerable scope to develop.

“You have to accept and acknowledge the good work that has been done, and you have to work from that platform. If we are all honest as coaches, there is always room for improvement. You’ve seen Bafana Bafana play at the AFCON and the World Cup and a lot of people have the opinion that they could’ve played even better. The moment you think it can’t get any better then we are arrogant. I think there’s a lot of room for improvement.”

Mosimane’s first period in charge of Bafana Bafana came after he had served under Parreira and Santana. Since then, he has added a collection of major honours at club level, on the African continent and internationally before being appointed to lead South Africa once again.