Gavin Hunt refuses to enter Bafana Bafana coaching debate as Pitso Mosimane talks continue

Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt has declined to comment on reports linking Pitso Mosimane with the vacant Bafana Bafana job, saying he would rather stay out of the debate because he has his own views on the matter.

Mosimane, widely known as “Jingles”, is understood to have emerged as the leading candidate to replace Hugo Broos as South Africa’s national team coach. However, he has not yet been officially appointed, with negotiations between the experienced coach and the South African Football Association (SAFA) reportedly still under way.

Asked about the situation after Stellenbosch FC’s draw with Polokwane City on Tuesday, Hunt chose not to discuss the reported change in leadership.

“I don’t want to comment about Bafana. Sorry, I’d rather stay out of that debate because I have my feelings,” Hunt said during his post-match news conference.

Mosimane’s reported return to the national team setup would come as little surprise given his record in African football. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach has won multiple CAF Champions League titles, domestic league championships and a CAF Coach of the Year award.

Despite that pedigree, the South African Football Association is yet to confirm an agreement. Contract discussions are said to be continuing before any formal announcement can be made.

Hunt’s decision to avoid the subject is consistent with views he has previously expressed about the Bafana Bafana position. The four-time PSL-winning coach has said he does not believe he should apply for the role himself.

Instead, Hunt has argued that the country’s football authorities should identify the coach they believe is best suited to the project and approach that candidate directly, rather than requiring managers to audition for the position.

The current uncertainty comes as South Africa prepares for the next stage of its international programme. If Mosimane is appointed, his first immediate responsibility would be to lead Bafana Bafana through qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

South Africa’s qualifying campaign is scheduled to begin in September, adding urgency to the process of resolving the coaching position.

Mosimane has previously managed both Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, establishing himself as one of the continent’s most decorated coaches. His achievements at club level are central to the reports making him the overwhelming favourite to succeed Broos.

For now, though, SAFA has not made the appointment official, while Hunt has made clear that he does not intend to become involved in the public discussion surrounding the national team’s next coach.