Pitso Mosimane deserves chance to lead Bafana Bafana, says Ntseki

Molefi Ntseki has urged South Africans to give Pitso Mosimane the freedom and time to do his job after he was appointed Bafana Bafana coach for a second spell.

Mosimane was formally unveiled at the South African Football Association (SAFA) headquarters in Nasrec, Johannesburg, yesterday, returning to the national team role 14 years after his first stint in charge.

Although some critics have questioned the decision to reappoint him, Ntseki believes the 62-year-old has developed significantly as a coach and earned the opportunity through his achievements in different countries over the past decade.

Ntseki, who is SAFA’s Technical Director and a former Bafana Bafana coach, compared Mosimane’s return with Jose Mourinho’s second spell at Real Madrid.

“We all saw what happened at Real Madrid. Mourinho left Madrid and many years passed, but because they know what he can bring to the table he was brought back to the club, and that is not different to the return of coach Pitso.”

Mosimane’s appointment comes as Ntseki begins his own period as Technical Director, creating a situation both men believe could work to the national team’s advantage. Their previous experience in the role means they understand the demands placed on the coach and the wider pressures surrounding Bafana Bafana.

Ntseki said Mosimane stood out from the other candidates who applied because of the quality of his presentation and the clarity of his plans. He added that Mosimane’s vision extended beyond the senior national team to South Africa’s junior international sides.

“I think he did very well with his presentation in terms of his projections and how he wants things to be done. So let’s give him the opportunity to take our football to the next level. The most important thing about football for a coach is what they are able to bring to the game today and tomorrow, and it’s not about what you did in the previous years. Football is evolving and we are all students of the game, and that’s exactly why we’ve come up with this turnaround strategy.”

Ntseki said he had full confidence that Mosimane would deliver a strong performance in the job, pointing to the coach’s record and experience gained outside South Africa in recent years.

The appeal for patience comes as Mosimane begins his second period with Bafana Bafana, with SAFA seeking to implement what Ntseki described as a turnaround strategy for South African football. That strategy includes plans for both the senior side and the country’s junior national teams.

Ntseki’s message is that Mosimane should be judged on what he can contribute to the team now and in the future, rather than solely on his previous work. He said the game continues to evolve and that coaches, like everyone involved in football, remain students of the sport.

Mosimane’s return was announced at the association’s headquarters in Nasrec, marking the latest chapter in his relationship with Bafana Bafana and giving him another opportunity to lead the national team.