Mosimane rejects Broos row as new Bafana Bafana era begins

New Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has refused to be drawn into a public dispute with his predecessor Hugo Broos after the Belgian reportedly criticised his appointment.

Broos is alleged to have told Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad that placing Mosimane in charge of South Africa could take the country’s football “five years back in time”. The former coach was reported to have expressed concern that the appointment might lead to renewed interference from club owners and agents.

Mosimane, however, dismissed the remarks during his official media presentation at the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) headquarters, SAFA House. Rather than respond directly to Broos, the 62-year-old said he would concentrate on the responsibilities attached to his new role.

“I will answer the questions related to my job, which is coaching the team.

“I think way before, I have recognised and praised coach Hugo Broos for what he has done.

“He has laid very good foundations for us; he has done exceptionally well. I’m not saying it today only; I’ve said it before. I said even before the World Cup that he has done exceptionally well. He has put a good foundation for me.

“I appreciate the work Broos has done, and everyone knows what he has done.”

Mosimane was formally unveiled by SAFA on Tuesday after several weeks of negotiations over his contract. The National Executive Committee (NEC) first approved his appointment in August.

He succeeds Broos, who decided not to extend his contract when it expired at the end of July. The Belgian leaves the national team after overseeing a significant improvement in its fortunes.

Under Broos, South Africa won a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He also guided Bafana Bafana to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.

The achievements mean Mosimane returns to a team with higher expectations and a strong platform already in place. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach is beginning his second permanent spell as South Africa manager, on what is understood to be a four-year contract.

There will be little time for an extended settling-in period. Mosimane’s first competitive assignments are less than a month away, with South Africa set to begin the opening rounds of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

Bafana Bafana face Guinea and Eritrea in back-to-back group matches, giving Mosimane an immediate test as he starts his latest tenure. While questions remain over Broos’ reported comments, the new coach has made clear that his attention will be on preparing the team and building on the foundations established by his predecessor.