Pitso Mosimane sets sights on improved Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup campaigns

Pitso Mosimane has identified improved performances at the next Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup as his main objectives after returning as Bafana Bafana head coach.

Mosimane was speaking on Tuesday at his unveiling as the new manager of the South Africa national team. He replaces Hugo Broos, who spent five years in charge and helped Bafana Bafana establish themselves as contenders on the African continent.

Broos also oversaw a historic achievement at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, the United States and Canada, where South Africa reached the second round.

Bafana Bafana finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast before being eliminated in the round of 16 at last year’s tournament in Morocco. Their progress to the second round of the World Cup in America was another significant milestone for the team.

Mosimane said South Africa must now build on those results and go further in both major competitions.

“We have to do better than what we have done in the last AFCON,” said Mosimane.

“We have to move for better than what we have done in the AFCON. We have to move much better in the World Cup.

“It’s possible, and I think you agree that we might have had the chance to can move further in the World Cup, right? So those are the key objectives.”

The appointment marks Mosimane’s second spell in charge of the senior national team, having first held the role 14 years ago.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach said his experience and achievements since that first period had left him better prepared for the challenge this time.

He also reflected on the changes in his career and the wider journey he has taken since his previous involvement with Bafana Bafana.

“Between the time I was here and 14 years back there’s a lot that has happened,” added the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach.

“Remember 14 years back I didn’t win even the MTN8 Cup or Nedbank Cup never mind any league or been to a … I don’t want to be boasting about what we have achieved.

“ I think it’s been a long journey and I’ll say there’s 21 medals in between now and 14 years back, loaded with about four FIFA World Cups, three in club and one in national team. I don’t want to be mentioning a lot of accolades but I think the system is loaded enough now.”

Mosimane’s first spell with the national side came before he had won the MTN8 Cup, Nedbank Cup or a league title. He said the 21 medals collected in the 14 years since then, together with involvement in about four FIFA World Cups three at club level and one with a national team demonstrated the experience he now brings to the position.

He stressed that he did not want to boast about his honours, but believed his record provided a strong foundation as he begins his second stint with Bafana Bafana.

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