Broos warns Mosimane over outside influence if he returns as Bafana coach

Former South Africa coach Hugo Broos has warned Pitso Mosimane that outside influence could prove a major challenge if he returns to the Bafana Bafana job.

Mosimane has been approved by the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) National Executive Committee as the preferred candidate to take charge of the national team.

The former Bafana coach would inherit a side preparing for the next round of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, should his appointment be finalised.

Broos, who spent five years in charge of South Africa, is regarded as one of the most successful coaches in the national team’s history.

The Belgian guided Bafana Bafana to a third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before leading them to the knockout stages of the 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America.

That achievement marked the first time South Africa had progressed beyond the group stage at the World Cup.

Broos believes one of the reasons for his success was his willingness to prevent club owners and agents from influencing his squad selection.

He has now warned that Mosimane could face similar pressure if he returns to the national team.

“Maybe so. You know, South Africa still doesn’t have a manager. The candidate is Pitso Mosimane, a successful South African coach,” Broos told Het Nieuwsblad.

“However, they know that if he comes, they will go back five years in time.

“Club owners and agents calling managers to influence the squad. I kicked them all out. If one called, I said bluntly: ‘I don’t talk with agents’.”

Mosimane previously managed Bafana Bafana between 2010 and 2012 and would be returning to a national-team environment he already knows well.

The 61-year-old has also worked with the national side as an assistant and caretaker coach.

Mosimane has since established himself as one of Africa’s most decorated coaches at club level, winning the CAF Champions League three times during spells with Mamelodi Sundowns and Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

His potential return to Bafana comes at a time when South Africa are seeking stability following Broos’ departure after the 2026 World Cup.

Broos’ comments underline the importance of managerial independence, with the Belgian making clear that he viewed resisting pressure from agents and club interests as essential to selecting his squads on sporting grounds.

For Mosimane, a second spell in charge would therefore bring not only expectations of success on the pitch, but also the challenge of managing the competing interests that surround South Africa’s national team.