Hugo Broos makes U-turn, congratulates Pitso Mosimane on Bafana Bafana return

Former Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos appears to have had a change of heart over Pitso Mosimane’s return to the national team hot seat.

Broos, who was recently replaced by Mosimane as South Africa’s head coach, had previously expressed strong reservations about the appointment, warning that Bafana Bafana could regress by five years if the former coach was brought back.

However, following Mosimane’s official unveiling by the South African Football Association (SAFA) on Wednesday, Broos has now extended his congratulations to his successor and wished him success in the job.

“President, congratulations to the new Bafana Bafana coach. I wish the coach and SAFA all the luck and success in the next few months,” Broos told SAFA media.

The Belgian’s latest comments mark a notable shift from his earlier criticism of Mosimane’s appointment, with Broos now publicly backing his successor to succeed in the role.

Mosimane returns to the Bafana Bafana dugout with a wealth of experience, having previously guided South Africa between 2010 and 2012. He also enjoyed a highly successful club career, most notably with Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly.

His immediate task will be to prepare the national team for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Bafana Bafana set to face Kenya, Eritrea and Guinea.

Mosimane is expected to begin work with the national team this month as South Africa turn their attention to the qualifiers and the next phase of their development.

The appointment has generated significant interest in South African football, particularly given Mosimane’s history with the national team and Broos’ earlier concerns about his return.

With the new coach now officially in charge, attention will shift to whether Mosimane can build on the progress made under Broos and guide Bafana Bafana to success in the upcoming AFCON qualifying campaign.

Broos, meanwhile, appears ready to put the change behind him and has offered his successor his best wishes as Mosimane begins his second spell at the helm of the national team.