Pitso Mosimane returns to Bafana Bafana with greater experience and ambition

Pitso Mosimane says he is better equipped to coach Bafana Bafana than he was during his first spell in charge, 14 years after being dismissed by the South African Football Association.

Mosimane was confirmed as the national team’s new coach at Safa House on Tuesday, replacing Hugo Broos. His appointment marks a return to the role he held between 2010 and 2012, but he believes the experience and success he has gained since then leave him in a much stronger position.

When Mosimane first took charge of Bafana Bafana, he had won two trophies with SuperSport United. Since then, however, he has developed into one of the most decorated coaches on the African continent. That contrast has given him confidence that his second tenure can produce a better result than his first.

“Between the time that I was here and 14 years ago, a lot has happened. You must remember 14 years ago I didn’t win even the MTN8 or Nedbank Cup, never mind any league championship,” Mosimane said when he was finally confirmed as Bafana coach at Safa House on Tuesday.

“But I don’t want to boast about what I’ve achieved; I think you know, it has been a long journey. I will say there are 21 medals (which I’ve won) between now and 14 years ago.”

The new coach has set out a four-year vision for the national team and expects Bafana Bafana to improve on their performances at the previous Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.

South Africa qualified for the last 32 at the World Cup for the first time this year, but Mosimane says the team must make further progress in both major competitions. He also stressed that Hugo Broos had created a solid platform before his departure and that he did not intend to make changes simply for the sake of doing so.

“We have to do better than we did in the last Afcon, to move better. We have to move much better at the World Cup; it is possible,” he said. “Those are the key objectives. You have to acknowledge the good work that has been done and don’t be a person who wants to change things.

“I think there is a lot of room for improvement in so many things because I have my own way of working and I have my experience. Broos laid a good foundation for me and I appreciate the work he has done with Bafana.”

Mosimane’s first challenge will come in this month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Eritrea and Guinea. He is expected to name his squad within the next two weeks as he begins his second spell in charge of the national team.

His return comes with expectations shaped by the achievements of the past 14 years, but Mosimane has made clear that he views Broos’ work as an important starting point. His aim is to build on that foundation while using his own experience to take Bafana Bafana further.