Pitso Mosimane begins second Bafana Bafana spell with calm approach

South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane has struck a measured tone at his first press conference since returning to lead Bafana Bafana, saying his immediate priority is to secure qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations and take the team back to the Fifa World Cup.

Mosimane, who replaces Hugo Broos, appeared alongside South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan, chief executive Lydia Monyepao and vice-president Linda Zwane at Safa House.

The 61-year-old, who is beginning his second return to the association’s headquarters, declined to respond directly to criticism from Broos, who recently questioned his suitability for the role in an interview in Belgium.

Broos had suggested South Africa would be moving backwards by appointing Mosimane, claiming the new coach could be influenced by outside interests including player agents.

Instead, Mosimane praised the work done by his predecessor during a five-year tenure in which Bafana Bafana developed from outsiders into serious contenders.

He also acknowledged that Broos left behind a squad combining established international players with promising younger talent. That blend will be important as South Africa prepare for two difficult Afcon qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea later this month.

“I have recognised and praised coach Broos for what he has done for the national team,” said Mosimane.

“He laid a good foundation for us and he has done exceptionally well. I am not only saying this today, but I said it even before the 2026 Fifa World Cup. He has put a good foundation for me and I appreciate the work he has done and everybody he worked with.”

Mosimane said he would not make major alterations to the squad that represented South Africa at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

“I am not carrying the biggest broom to sweep because we have a good foundation from the team that went to the 2026 Fifa World Cup. There are about four to five players out with injuries and I am sure you know the names of those players who are not going to be available.

“We need to replace them and there is no time. We have to replace those players who are out with injuries. At the same time, there is emerging talent doing exceptionally well abroad and we know about them and we are looking into that.”

Among the important players to have established themselves under Broos are goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster.

The next group of players emerging as potential internationals includes Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Olwethu Makhanya, Tylon Smith, Shandre Campbell, Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota.

South Africa’s opening objective will be to make a strong start against Guinea and Eritrea. Mosimane said a further friendly would allow him to assess players who have had limited opportunities with the national team.

“The main focus is the two qualifiers and we also have a friendly game to give opportunities to players who were not given a chance in the past. We have players like Samukele Kabini who were never given enough chance to play and are part of the team that went to the World Cup.

“We also have experienced players that we know must lead us to Afcon qualification. In the process we will give opportunities to other players. Fortunately there is a friendly game behind the two qualifiers.

“Hopefully we will see those players playing. There are others who were not called up, but they raised their hands at their clubs internationally and they play at a good level.”

Mosimane said criticism would not distract him from his broader targets of Afcon qualification and another World Cup appearance.

“The main focus is for Bafana to qualify for Afcon and go back to the World Cup. Football is a game of opinions and criticism is important because it makes us not to be comfortable and sit on our laurels or comfort zones. For me, criticism fuels me a lot.”

He has chosen to work with fitness trainer Kabelo Rangoaga and performance analyst Musi Matlaba, while Helman Mkhalele, who served as Broos’s assistant, will not remain part of the technical team.

Mosimane defended his decision to bring in staff members he already trusts, saying coaches require people who understand their methods and can help implement them.

“Every coach has his own technical team and I always want to refer to practical examples. I will tell you about coach Carlo Ancelotti, who always takes his son with him and they have won lots of trophies together.

“If I had my son next to me in South Africa, you will be talking about nepotism. Ancelotti and his son have trophies and they work well together. The world is not looking at the fact that Ancelotti is working with his son.

“They are focusing on the work they are doing. I have people who have been to four Fifa World Cups and they understand the way I work. We work differently and they support me.”