Mosimane begins second Bafana Bafana spell with World Cup ambition

Pitso Mosimane returns as South Africa manager with immediate results and a return to the top of African football as his targets.

The 61-year-old was appointed earlier this month, 14 years after his first spell in charge ended following a run of poor results. He begins his second tenure against Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

South Africa will then face Eritrea at the neutral Al Salam Stadium in Cairo four days later, before remaining in the Egyptian capital for an international friendly against the Pharaohs on 4 October.

Mosimane has been out of work since late 2024 but continued to follow Bafana Bafana, including their historic run to the World Cup knockout stage, as a supporter. He also launched the Pitso Mosimane School Football Academy, which aims to develop the next generation of players, and his podcast, Changing the Game with Pitso Mosimane.

Although he was approached by clubs in Africa and overseas, Mosimane waited for what he considered the right opportunity before accepting the South African Football Association’s offer on 1 September, a month after Hugo Broos’ contract ended.

“By the way, I have always wanted to be the coach here. This is not a coincidence. I wanted this. I worked hard for it, and I even made presentations on why I am the right man to lead the team forward and what I would do to achieve that,” he said.

“The presentation was based on where the team is, where it was, its strengths and weaknesses, where we think we should improve, and whether we have the right tools to achieve our objectives.”

Mosimane said qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations would be important, but insisted the World Cup remained the larger objective.

“As much as the AFCONs are important, the main picture is the World Cup. So, it’s a matter of how you work ahead without neglecting what is in front of you, because if you don’t do it well, you will trip.”

The match against Guinea also has personal significance. Orlando is where his mother was born, while Mosimane made his professional debut at the old Orlando Stadium and previously played for Orlando Pirates. His playing career also included Jomo Cosmos and Mamelodi Sundowns, where he later won multiple trophies as a coach.

“My [professional] debut was at the old Orlando Stadium. It has evolved since then,” he said. “Now it’s the Orlando [Amstel] Arena – we must give it its proper name. It’s good.”

Mosimane, who was raised in Pretoria, said the return to Johannesburg carried emotional meaning and praised the support Bafana could expect in Soweto.

“I have never worked in Joburg at club level; I have always been a Pretoria boy, raised there. So, it has a sentimental aspect to it. But more than that, Soweto people come out to matches even during the week. So, Saturday will be good.”

His first squad combines experienced players, returning internationals and younger talent. Mosimane highlighted Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who is playing in MLS, and also praised Oswin Appollis and Tashreeq Matthews.

“I want to give a chance to a youngster who wants to go to the World Cup. That’s what inspires me,” he said.

“Tashreeq Matthews is working hard and has been doing well. Yes, I want him to score more, but he is scoring now. It’s exciting. I like competition.”